“Everything that can be counted is data.”
— Lupi, Posavec

Today, we are surrounded by data, both digital and analogue. We depend on it, live by it, and also generate a lot of it. Yet, most of it is seemingly invisible (or overwhelming, and often beyond our control). The mention of the word ‘data’ typically reminds us of big numbers, complex algorithms, and AI. 

But data also has more to offer than 1s and 0s. It also provides us with an opportunity to get to know ourselves, our surroundings, and the stories or patterns of ‘being’.

Inspired by contemporary information designers such as Giorgia Lupi, Federica Fragapane, and Stefanie Posavec, we will observe, collect, and utilize data from our daily routine. By asking 'what data means to us?’, we will focus on small-scale, qualitative data from our lives; on human stories and lived experiences, not just statistics.

This workshop invites design students to explore the intersection of data collection and contextual storytelling, to embark on an experimental voyage of self-discovery through the lens of data humanism. Utilizing data as a tool for expression, participants will develop their unique visual vocabulary to represent a snapshot of their lives graphically. 

Adhering to the basics of visual communication, we will experiment with a few exercises. Through discussions, we will then develop themes for the main project, applying the visual system developed earlier.

Possible outcomes? A printed artwork, infographic, photo journal, interactive visualization, sculpture, or something drastically dramatic that you can propose. Considering the duration of the expertise, we will brainstorm and agree on a format that works best for you.

Materials-

Get all things colorful. Pens, pencils, crayons, markers, sketch pens. A4 sketchbook. Eraser. Scale. Stencils.

P.S.- Get what you already have or can borrow from your friends, and avoid buying new materials unless you have a particular brand that you prefer. We can assess what we have and then determine what is needed to make a purchase.

I’m looking forward to working with you.