Students gain an understanding of the principles of translating data and information into visual, physical and virtual forms. They learn to integrate theoretical, visual and technical aspects of structuring and representing data to offer diverse audiences increased access to socially relevant issues. The curriculum is built upon an established undergraduate program in graphic, information and interaction design. Participants have the unique advantage of study at a major research university known for interdisciplinary collaboration that is situated in Boston, a global center for biotech, financial, public policy, education, technological, scientific and social science applications of information design and data visualization.
By Nader Borale
The program seeks applicants from diverse fields of study – not just visual communications – who are interested in information visualization and communication of information through visual and analytical means. Practicing professionals and recent undergraduates in a variety of fields (architecture, graphic design, journalism, communications, business, the humanities and sciences) who desire a fluency in information design should apply.
Graduates will be professional information designers able to collaborate effectively in this dynamic and burgeoning field of practice and research. They will be prepared to work in design firms, research firms, corporations and institutions and government and urban agencies. The program intends to produce professionals skilled in design principles and practices needed to assume leadership roles in an evolving interdisciplinary field. Students will also be well positioned to pursue PhDs and academic careers.
Year 1, Fall Semester
- ARTG 5100 Information Design Studio 1 – Principles (4SH)
- ARTG 5110 Information Design History (4SH)
- ARTG 5120 Information Design Research Methodologies (4SH)
- Information Design Elective (4 SH)
Year 1, Spring Semester
- ARTG 6100 Information Design Studio 2 – Dynamic Mapping and Models (4 SH)
- ARTG 6110 Information Design Theory & Critical Thinking (4 SH)
- Information Design Elective (4 SH)
- Information Design Elective (4 SH)
Year 2, Fall Semester
- ARTG 6200 Information Design Studio 3 – Synthesis (4 SH)
- ARTG 7100 Information Design Thesis Seminar (4 SH)
- Information Design Elective (4 SH)
- Open Elective (4 SH)
Year 2, Spring Semester
- ARTG 7990 Thesis (8 SH)
- Information Design Elective (4 SH)
Information Design Electives
- ARTG 6110 Information Design Theory and Critical Thinking (4 SH)
- ARTG 6310 Design for Behavior and Experience (4 SH)
- ARTG 6320 Design of Information-Rich Environments (4 SH)
- ARTG 6330 Information Design Mapping Strategies (4 SH)
- ARTG 6900 Special Topics in Information Design (4 SH)
- ARTG 7996 Thesis Continuation (8 SH)
ARTG Information Design Electives
- ARTG 5310 Visual Cognition
- ARTG 5320 Statistics Basics for Designers
- ARTG 5330 Visualization Technologies
Applicants without BFA or experience
Students applying to the program without a BFA or commensurate visual communication experience will be required to complete two intensive summer sessions in design prior to commencing the graduate course sequence.
Required prerequisite courses:
- ARTG 2250 Typography 1 (4 SH)
- ARTG 2251 Type Tools (1 SH)
- ARTG 2252 Graphic Design 1 (4 SH)
- ARTF 1123 2D Tools: Imaging Basics (1 SH)
- ARTG 3350 Typography 2 (4 SH)
- ARTG 3450 Graphic Design 2 (4 SH)
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