Course summary

Design informatics combines data science with design thinking in a context of critical enquiry to create compelling and meaningful new data-driven experiences, products and services. The central premise of design informatics is that data is a medium for design: by shaping data, we shape the world around us. Data science provides the groundwork for this, with design thinking underpinning reflective research through design. Our programme focuses on providing foundational skills on the integration of design thinking and data science with an emphasis on exploring the role of data-driven technologies in society and the potential of such technologies to be a social good. Students are supported to develop an ethically aware, critically reflective technical practice at the interface between data and society by combining theory and research with an open-ended process of making and hacking. What will I learn? The programme will provide foundational and advanced knowledge in:

• Fundamentals of data science and its integration into design processes

• Methods of user research, end user co-design and speculative design

• Programming for data visualisation, data physicalisation, physical computing and responsive materials

• Data ethics and its application in research and practice

• Societal challenges and sustainable development goals

• Health and care

• Fashion

• Finance

• Urban spaces and smart cities