Teaching
Current Courses
Representing Data
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of data representation. It explores diverse methodologies for translating data into meaningful forms, including visual, physical, and embodied formats. Students examine key aspects of the field, from data analysis and interpretation to aesthetics, form, and ergonomics. Throughout the course, students work with a range of datasets and tools, including data sketching, RAWGraphs, Tableau, Python, and data physicalisation techniques. They critically evaluate how design choices shape interpretation, considering how data can be communicated—or potentially misrepresented—and how medium, audience, context, and intended use influence the impact of a representation. This course is offered by the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI), but open to postgraduate students across the university as well as professionals.
Case Studies for Design Informatics
Design Informatics is a new field where design thinking and methods are used to explore the application of computational and data technologies on products, services and systems. This course examines case studies at the intersection of design, emerging technologies, and societal challenges. Students develop a foundation in design thinking and design methods, and engage with relevant qualitative research methods within design theory. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of existing research, analysis of its limitations, and careful assessment of contemporary design methods, theories, and technologies. This course is available to postgraduate students within the Institute of Design Informatics.
Data Science for Design
This course provides an introduction to programming, used in support of the development of data science techniques, to give a practical facility in manipulating, analysing, visualising and contextualising data. The course teaches Python, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, and data-driven storytelling to both graduates in design and computer science. Students work on collaborative projects using real-world datasets. This course is available to postgraduate students within the Institute of Design Informatics.
Ethical Data Futures
This course introduces the fundamentals of data ethics as the building blocks of a mature data philosophy. By examining contemporary data practices in their historical, moral and political contexts, students identify how values in data practice shape our past, present and futures, while developing through collaborative activities six critical ethical skills required for responsible and ethical data practice. This course is available to postgraduate students within Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI).
