Course content

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Themes covered by the course includes the history of information graphics, tabular and schematic representation of quantitative information, combining qualitative and quantitative information, diagrams and graphs (bar, line, area, pie, Isotype, scatter, histogram, etc.), flowcharts and navigational diagrams, how not to lie with statistics (lie factor), cartography, topographical maps, thematic maps, technical illustration, data visualization, and "big data" as a source for information graphics, designing tables and designing user friendly forms.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the students shall:

• be able to explain the main lines of information graphics history
• be able to discuss information graphic properties from a cognitive perspective
• be able to discuss the potential of information graphics as an alternative to text and/or image based graphic representations
• be able to explain various genres of information graphics and each genres specific pros and cons as well as potential for demagogic misuse
• have knowledge about the design of information graphics
• be able to critically assess information graphics in the media

Skills:

• The student will develop their skills in design of information graphics through exercises.

General competenses:

The student will through a curse with processsoriented writing of two essays with formative evaluation, incrementaly have:

• improved their analytic skills
• improved their ability for critical reflection
• sin skriftlige formuleringsevne
• improved their skill for written formulation
• improved their ability for gathering and synthesizing information
• improved their ability for source criticism
• improved their ability for truthful reference and citation practice
• improved their skills in editorial handling of text

Learning methods and activities

• Lectures
• Writing of essay(s) practical visualisation project(s)
• Formative-iterative assessment
• Compulsory assignment.

Compulsory assignment:

Two practical assignments. The practical design projects are not marked, but must be approved to pass the course. The practical design projects will be included in the individual student's work portfolios. The project may eventually, by the individual student's choice, be included in the individual student's presentation portfolio at the end of the third and final year.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved exercises

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The course is limited to students in the program Bachelor in Graphic Design

Course materials

Koponen, J., Hildén, J. (2019). Data Visualization handbook. Espoo: Aalto arts books. Tufte, Edward R. (2001). The visual display of quantitative information. 2nd ed. Cheshire, Connecticut: Graphics Press.

SUPPORTING LITERATURE: Cairo, Albert (2013). The functional art: an introduction to information graphics and visualization. Berkeley: New Riders. Bigwood, Sally, and Melissa Spore (2003). Presenting numbers, tables and charts. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Black, Alison, Paul Luna, Ole Lund, and Sue Walker (eds.) (2017). Information design: research and practice. London og New York: Routledge. Brasseur, Lee E. (2003). Visualizing technical information: a cultural critique. New York: Baywood. Burke, Christopher, Eric Kindel, and Sue Walker (eds.) (2013). Isotype: design and contexts 1925–1971. London: Hyphen Press. Cheshire, James, and Uberto, Oliver (2014): London – the information capital: 100 maps and graphics that will change how you view the city. London: Penguin. Garland, Ken (1994). Mr Beck’s underground map. London: Capital Transport. Gresh, Alain m.fl. (2007). Le Monde Diplomatique: globaliseringens atlas. Oslo: Diplo og Pax Forlag. Informasjonsgrafikk (2009) Collection of articles on information graphics.. Jarrett, Caroline, and Gerry Gaffney (2009). Forms that work: designing web forms for usability. Burlington: Morgan Kaufmann. Kristiansen, Jan Erik (2007). Tall kan temmes: om å bruke og formidle statistikk. Kristiansand: IJ-forlaget. Malamed, Connie (2009). Visual language for designers: principles for creating graphics that people understand. Beverly, Mass.: Rockport. Nygaard, Tor (2007). Skjemavett på internett. Oslo: Kommuneforlaget. Schwesinger, Borries (2010). The forms book: best practice in creating forms for printed and online use. London: Thames & Hudson. Wainer, Howard. Graphic discovery (2007). Princeton og Oxford: Princeton University Press. Wood, Denis, Ward L. Kaiser, and Bob Abramms (2006). Seeing through maps: many ways to see the world. Oxford: New Internationalist. A selection of relevant journals in NTNUs library: Cartographica, Information Design Journal, In Graphics (call number 302.23 Infodesign), Visible Language. Relevant call numbers in NTNU’s campus library: 302.23 Infodesign, 526-.

Credit reductions