Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- explain the significance of understanding information and manage methods of implementing it in a range of different knowledge use contexts
- make use of usability psychology and user testing in visual planning
- acquire, analyse and organise complicated data for visualization purposes
- plan understandable information design solutions using visual design methods

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course is primarily carried out as an independent study, i.e. familiarisation with reading and other materials and completion of the given assignment package.

More information about an alternative way to complete the course will be provided later.

Timing and attendance

On your own time, without attendance obligations. Return of assignments 9.12.2024.

Learning material and recommended literature

Course literature includes, for example:

Designing with the mind in mind : simple guide to understanding user interface design guidelines. Johnson, Jeff

Good charts: the HBR guide to making smarter, more persuasive data visualizations. Berinato, Scott

Information design unbound : key concepts and skills for making sense in a changing world. Pontis, Sheila; Babwahsingh, Michael

Signage and wayfinding design : a complete guide to creating evironmental graphic design systems. Calori, Chris; Vanden-Eynden, David

Tieto näkyväksi : informaatiomuotoilun perusteet. Koponen, Juuso; Hildén, Jonatan

Exam retakes

It is not possible to retake the course (there is no exam).

Learning environment

Assignments and submissions are managed on the course’s Moodle platform.

Student time use and work load

Independent study at your own pace. The 5 ECTS credits correspond to approximately 135 hours of work.

Contents

In this course, the student will explore the key principles and practices of information design. The student will learn how people perceive and understand visual information (perceptual and cognitive psychology) and how to apply these insights through practical examples. The course also covers topics such as data visualization, infographics, typography, and signage systems.

Assessment criteria

Completion of assigned tasks, such as a personal development assignment as a final project and work-life skills.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Students will receive a failing grade if they have not completed all course assignments within the specified time or have not met the learning objectives of the course.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student
- understands the importance of comprehensibility of information and derive ways to implement it in different contexts
- understands the psychology of usability
- can acquire, analyse and structure data for visualisation purposes
- is able to design understandable information design solutions

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student knows how to
- justify the importance of comprehensibility of information and derive ways to implement it in different contexts of information use
- use usability psychology in design
- acquire, analyse and structure more than simple data for visualisation purposes
- design and implement high quality information design solutions.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student
- can critically justify the importance of comprehensibility of information and derive effective and appropriate ways to achieve it in different and demanding contexts of information use
- is able to make effective and creative use of usability psychology in design
- is able to acquire, analyse, structure and creatively but clearly apply complex data for visualisation purposes
- can design and implement information design solutions that combine good usability with good visual skills