Information Design
Overview
This unit provides students with an introduction to advanced information design, its principles and techniques, involved in visualising complex data. Students will gain an understanding of methods to visually interpret and communicate complex information in an engaging manner. Projects will enable students to apply and demonstrate their knowledge of a range of information graphic techniques, including alpha-numeric, symbols, timelines, charts, graphs, maps, tables, and diagrams in a visual communication context.
Requisites
Rule
75 credit points in any of the following courses:
- BA-ARC Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
- BA-DES/BA-DESS Bachelor of Design
- BA-DID Bachelor of Innovation and Design
- BB-DESBUS Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business
- BB-DESMCMN Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Media and Communication
02-November-2025
31-May-2026
01-November-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Create information and interface design outcomes in a visual communication context, applying design principles, processes and techniques
- Generate highly resolved information design outcomes using software packages and techniques
- Interpret data and information and communicate content as visual explanations and narratives
- Prepare communication strategies for information design outcomes, using integrated media and technologies
- Produce information and interface design solutions in response to a project brief
- Critically review project outcomes in relation to a professional practice context
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Studio | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Learning activities | 8.00 | 12 weeks | 96 |
| Unspecified Activities Various | 1.50 | 12 weeks | 18 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Individual | 50% | 1,2,63,4,5,6 |
| Assignment 2 | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Content
Topics for discussion may include:
- Information and interface architecture, hierarchy and structure
- Research methods for organising and presenting data and information content
- Communication strategies
- Visual explanations, editorial structures, information narratives and sequences
- Information graphic types and methods to communicate quantitative and qualitative content: alpha-numeric, symbols, timelines, charts, graphs, maps, tables, diagrams etc.
- Information design advocacy
- Interface and user-centred design
- Presentation techniques
- Critical evaluation and review: self and peer evaluation tasks
- Project documentation and reflection
- Wayfinding
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.