School of Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University: Data Visualization Course

In June 2019 I was able to take a month-long course on data visualization at the Museum of Fine Arts School at Tufts University. While pretty rigorous (3 projects in 30 days) I had a lot of fun and really learned a lot.

The first assignment was to capture the phrase “for external use” using only imagery and symbols. I used the green “informational” color for the background of the sign, and the white symbols to read like a road sign. The only thing I would change in… — The first assignment was to capture the phrase “for external use” using only imagery and symbols. I used the green “informational” color for the background of the sign, and the white symbols to read like a road sign. The only thing I would change in hindsight here is I would flip the images. Put the negative on the left and the positive on the right. Humans read left to right, duh! Live and learn.

The second assignment was to take 12 breakfast foods and tell a story about them using at least 4 data points. I chose “The Busy Millenial’s Guide to Breakfast.” I spent so much time on this one. I created every single thing you see in this image by… — The second assignment was to take 12 breakfast foods and tell a story about them using at least 4 data points. I chose “The Busy Millenial’s Guide to Breakfast.” I spent so much time on this one. I created every single thing you see in this image by hand using Adobe Illustrator. I worked on this for hours every night and I am so proud of it. I chose to map the breakfast foods by: how well they cure a hangover, their location, their “portability” (how well can they travel), cost and calories. I love the chaotic energy this image provides.

In addition to the visual, we had to create a “nutritional facts” chart using InDesign. The chart and visual had to be visually connected in some way, and I think I achieved that. The idea is that this chart is hanging in the kitchen, and the visual… — In addition to the visual, we had to create a “nutritional facts” chart using InDesign. The chart and visual had to be visually connected in some way, and I think I achieved that. The idea is that this chart is hanging in the kitchen, and the visual above is the kitchen.

The third assignment was loose. We had to plot a number of data points using a unique pattern and tell a story. I chose to map, “The Diva throughout history.” Where did the word come from, who was it attributed to, how has it changed over time? I di… — The third assignment was loose. We had to plot a number of data points using a unique pattern and tell a story. I chose to map, “The Diva throughout history.” Where did the word come from, who was it attributed to, how has it changed over time? I did a lot of research and came up with an Italian actress Lyda Borelli as the first woman to be called a “Diva.” I was then curious how the name changed to be attributed to singers like Mariah Carey and Cher. I did a little card sorting expertise with friends and coworkers, asking them to group famous singers into groups, add or change any that may not fit for them, and the result is above! I am certainly not done (I wanted to illustrate every diva’s face by hand, so check back in as I update this). I chose to map the diva and her accomplishments; so oscars, grammy’s, appearance in film and genre. I’m very proud of this too and one day it will be framed and will hang in my apartment in a place of honor!