This document outlines the structure and components of a course on information graphics. The course introduces various visual tools for communicating data and concepts, such as charts, flowcharts, matrices and diagrams. Over the course of 5 weeks, students learn principles of graphic design and create a series of assignments applying different tools. They submit weekly slide decks and receive feedback to improve their work. The final assignment involves constructing a visual narrative. Students also present case studies on examples of effective information graphics. Participation, assignments and a final project determine grades.

1. INTRODUCTORY PRESENTATION:
introductory LESSON:
TOOLS AND KEYWORDS
Tools and keywords
PLAN601E VERBAL AND VISUAL: INFORMATION GRAPHICS (SESSION 1)
PLAN601E Verbal and visual: Information Graphics (session 1)

2. Do you want to make a
comparison?
GRAPH
CHART
DOT DENSITY
Do you want to show a
process?
FLOW CHART
CYCLE DIAGRAM
Do you want to show a
relationship?
NETWORK MAP
CONTINUUM DIAGRAM
MATRIX
Do you want to explain
a concept?
ISOTYPE
SECTION
information graphics = tools for visual communication
SUPERGRAPHIC

3. INFORMATION GRAPHICS = SHOWING CONTEXT VISUALLY
information graphics = showing context visually

4. INFORMATION GRAPHICS = VISUAL AND NARRATIVE HIERARCHY
information graphics = visual and narrative hierarchy

5. s of social capital decreased nationwide with reported income.
in the absence of traditional civic structure, many Detroiters
r less official groups, I investigated the robustness of the trend
mple. Using GIS, I mapped respondents’ group memberships
rther disaggregated responses to reveal uneven correlations
I produced a series of illustrative diagrams to convey the
nses both quantatitively and qualitatively.
Size / Scale
Size / Scale
Color
Color
Line Weight
Line Weight
information graphics = explaining through visual differences
INFORMATION GRAPHICS = EXPLAINING THROUGH VISUAL DIFFERENCES

6. Leading the eye.
INFORMATION GRAPHICS = USING GRIDS
information graphics = using grids
Rule of thirds.

7. information graphics = making visual comparisons
INFORMATION GRAPHICS = MAKING VISUAL COMPARISONS

8. WK.
Topics
Demo
assignment
1
Introductory Discussion
FactFinder
Creative Suite
Photoshop Techniques
Data collection
Photo-documentation
2
Single Dimension Comparisons
Principles of Graphic Design
Charts / Graphs
with Illustrator
Chart / Graph
3
Procedural / Temporal Settings
Visual Reasonsing (Tufte)
Flowcharts / Timelines
with Illustrator
Flowchart / Timeline
4
Multi-dimensional Comparisons
Layout for Print and Screen
Continuum Diagram /
Matrix in Illustrator and
Indesign
Continium Diagram /
Matrix
5
Constructing a Visual Narrative
Storyboarding
Formatting and Layout
with Indesign
Slide Presentation
A1 Poster
course structure

9. course components
Assignment Grading criteria
Readings (x 2)
4 pts Clarity and coherence of narratives constructed;
Case Studies
3 pts Thoughtfulness, suitability and/or creativity in
representation;
Lectures / Demonstrations
5-part Assignment
• Census Tract
• Weekly slide deck + JPEG submission
• Final presentation
2 pts Engagement with and evaluation of different
representational strategies (as evidenced in the slide
deck by sketches, precedents, notes and finished
work);
1 pt Deployment of software tools demonstrated in the
course, as appropriate.
Grading
weekly deadlines
Assignment 1:
10%
Assignment 2:
10%
Assignment 3:
10%
Assignment 4:
10%
Assignment 5:
20%
Case Study Presentation:
10%
Online Participation:
10%
In-Class Participation:
20%
course structure
S
Su
M
T
W
assignment
due by 9 am
class
Th
F
blog comments
due by midnight
blog / course materials
http://prattinfographics.wordpress.com
score and
feedback
returned

10. week 2
week 3
Charts / Graphs / Isotypes
• “The Visual Display of Quantitative
Information”
• Florence Nightingale
• Otto Neurath
• 1972 Munich Olympics
Flowcharts / Timelines
• Office of Metropolitan Architecture /
Rem Koolhaas
• The RSVP Cycles / Lawrence Halprin
• “The Works” / Kate Ascher
2 students
2 students
week 4
week 5
Matrices / Network Diagrams
• “Learning from Las Vegas”
• Tibor Kalman
• Mark Lombardi
Visual Narratives
• “Envisioning Information”
• Taxi07: Roads Forward / Design Trust
• Fordham Plaza / NYCEDC
2 students
2 students
time to volunteer for case studies!