Description

This seminar course examines theoretical foundations and models of design as it relates to information visualization and delivery. Students will evaluate concepts and models through diagramming exercises, discussions, and writing. The course is structured in two, two-day workshops—with significant preparation before the workshop and intensive work during the workshops (including overnight homework).

Objectives

In this course, students will learn

- what conceptual models are and their theoretical basis (in semiotics, linguistics, sociology, etc.)

- ways to represent models and understand the shape of information

- the role of models in the design process and collaboration

- greater facility in making, reasoning with, and arguing through models

Process

Students will read a set of articles; then they will create a set of simple diagrams representing each of the main concepts described in each article; and finally they will synthesize what they have learned to create new models of their own (presented as large, composite diagrams).

Conceptual Models: Core to Good Design, Johnson, J. and Henderson, A., Morgan & Claypool, 2012.

(Chapter 4 is key, but please read the whole book; it's only 90 pages)