Teaching

The VisHub is involved in several courses across the University. Get in touch with us if you have questions about any of the courses.

• Representing Data, 20cts, postgraduate. Course organizer Dorsey Kaufmann. 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.

• Human Computer Interaction (HCI), 20cts, postgraduate. Course organizer Dr Uta Hinrichs. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding how people interact with technology and designing systems that are useful, usable, and accessible. This course introduces students to the principles, methods, and practices of HCI, examining how human perception, cognition, and behaviour shape interactions with digital technologies. Students develop an understanding of user-centred design processes, including task analysis, prototyping, and interface evaluation, while exploring contemporary topics such as accessibility, data visualisation, and emerging interaction technologies. This course is offered by the Institute of Design Informatics (DI) and is open to postgraduate students in DI.

• Case Studies in Design Informatics (CDI), 20cts, postgraduate. Lecturer Dorsey Kaufmann. 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 offered by the Institute of Design Informatics (DI) and is open to postgraduate students in DI.

• Ethical Data Futures, 20cts, postgraduate. Lecturer Dorsey Kaufmann. 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 offered by the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI), but open to postgraduate students across the university as well as professionals.