Information Graphics

Intro Unit

The first three weeks of classes will lay the groundwork for what is to follow. We will learn to collect information from reliable sources, analyze data and begin to make spreadsheet calculations. We will begin to explore the potential for visuals to enlighten and enliven our information. We will conclude this short unit by focusing on how to use Adobe Illustrator, which will be our primary software for creating Information Graphics over the ensuing weeks, and laying the groundwork for our interactive data visualizations, which we will produce at the end of each unit and which will culminate in your J464 portfolio website.

Session	Day	Date	Topic
01	Mon.	Jan. 8	Introduction
02	Wed.	Jan. 10	Foundations
03	Wed.	Jan. 17	Form and function
04	Mon.	Jan. 22	Illustrator boot camp
05	Wed.	Jan. 24	HTML/CSS basics

Chart Unit

The visual representation of quantifiable data remains the crux of informational graphics, and represent the bread and butter of most modern graphics departments. We’ll take a close look at how various chart formats can be used to best effect, how these formats can be combined to convey complex data and how to design effective graphics based on creating a strong and appropriate visual focus.

Session	Day	Date	Topic
06	Mon.	Jan. 29	Charts intro
07	Wed.	Jan. 31	Nuts + Bolts
08	Mon.	Feb. 5	Line charts
09	Wed.	Feb. 7	Pie charts
10	Mon.	Feb. 12	Comparing data
11	Wed.	Feb. 14	Graphics packages
12	Mon.	Feb. 19	Deadliner 1
13	Wed.	Feb. 21	Revise + edit
14	Mon.	Feb. 26	Flourish

Map Unit

Our second area of study in this course concerns cartography — the graphical representation of where things are and data based on georgraphy or political boundaries. There are a number of different kinds of maps, ranging from simple locators to complex data maps.

Session	Day	Date	Topic
15	Wed.	Feb. 28	Maps intro
16	Mon.	March 4	Map style
17	Wed.	March 6	Locators
18	Mon.	March 18	Choropleths
19	Wed.	March 20	Proportional symbols
20	Mon.	March 25	Deadliner 2
21	Wed.	March 27	DataWrapper

Diagram Unit

Much of the power of informational graphics lies in their ability to describe in great visual detail how something works or how an event occurred, taking readers to places they wouldn’t otherwise be able to go. Here, the ability to illustrate clearly and effectively becomes paramount.

Session	Day	Date	Topic
22	Mon.	April 1	Icons
23	Wed.	April 3	Timelines
24	Mon.	April 8	Diagrams intro
25	Wed.	April 10	Perspective
26	Mon.	April 15	Case studies
27	Wed.	April 17	Deadliner 3

Interactive Unit

The news industry has shifted away from GUI software, like Adobe Flash, toward more code-based interactive graphics, using JavaScript libraries like D3 and jQuery. This requires a good deal of programming knowledge, and is beyond the scope of this class. However, we will introduce, in our final week, some basic JS libraries to help create interactive content. The semester will culminate with your J464 website, built from a customizable template, which will showcase your creative work in the class.

Session	Day	Date	Topic
28	Mon.	April 22	Javascript
29	Wed.	April 24	Finalizing