A quick pitch for the Winter 2016 Maps to Meaning course. This year the class will be taught by Carissa Carter and Tran Ha.

From Maps to Meaning was first created by Carissa Carter and Ashish Goel. We taught three versions of the course together.

From Maps to Meaning was first created by Carissa Carter and Ashish Goel. We taught three versions of the course together.

Our courses

One of the oldest visual tools created by humans to make sense of the complexities of our world, maps are unique in their ability to synthesize data, convey meaning through spatial logic, and deliver information at high resolution. They are also incredible tools for communication, data sorting and insight finding.

We teach two courses, The Design of Data and From Maps to Meaning, that explore maps and data.

The Design of Data is a four day class offered for one credit.  In this hyper-concentrated, hands-on course, students will learn to use mapping and design techniques to sort and synthesize data, unlock insights and communicate information.  We will create four different types of maps and infographics and students will practice finding insight from both qualitative and quantitative information. Take this course if you are interested in learning how to navigate through and create for the complicated intersection of data and design.

From Maps to Meaning is an intensive, hands-on course that uses mapping techniques to navigate the intersection of data and design. Students will tackle three main projects and several shorter assignments over 10 weeks. Perfect attendance and completion of projects is absolutely mandatory. You will:

  • collect, sort and organize quantitative and qualitative data
  • create maps to synthesize complex information
  • use mapping as a tool to work on design problems
  • explore biases in map-making
  • create design interventions based on data and maps

While no specific prior experience is necessary, these classes are for you if you are comfortable with the ambiguity of learning new skills on and off the computer, if you geek out about design and data, and if you are not intimidated by the idea of creating analog and digital maps.

Apply for the design of data

Accepting 20 Students. Open to Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students, Fellows, post-docs. Apply for the 2016 class by September 9, 2016, 11:59pm PST.

Teaching team

Carissa Carter, Director of Teaching and Learning, d.school
carissa@dschool.stanford.edu
Tran Ha, Media Experiments Lead, d.school
tran@dschool.stanford.edu
Stine Degnegaard, Chief Designer, Initiatives