From data to narrative – visualising information in academic practice

The disrupted information ecology, shaped primarily by the mechanisms underlying digital technologies, has become a threat to our ability to critically understand complex global challenges. Information overload fragments memory, causes decision fatigue, fosters disinformation and cognitive anxiety, and impairs the ability to concentrate.
The Information Visualisation course, run at the Institute of Information Sciences, addresses the need to develop students’ skills in gathering and analysing reliable data, enabling them to challenge superficial and stereotypical views on socio-cultural phenomena. We teach responsible design based on transparent research methods and critical reflection on the role of the information designer.
The presentation will focus on the teaching practices implemented within the course and a discussion of selected student projects, demonstrating ways of visually interpreting contemporary social, cultural and technological issues.