Overview
Adventures in data visualization is a summer workshop dedicated to explorations into the field of data visualization by means of computational technologies and design approaches. By accessing and manipulating open datasets, the participants design and develop projects that make raw data perceivable through digital or physical means, transforming them in interactive experiences or in narrative flows, that create open data in turn. The projects can be built upon the use of storytelling, experimental or artistic approaches, information design techniques: the adventures in data visualization can be many in the time frame of five days hands-on workshop.
The workshop activities are based on design, coding and making sessions where participants develop a project individually or in teams. There are no media constraints: the output can be a screen-based work, a projection-based installation or site-specific installation, a 3D printed or laser cut structure. The main programming language of the workshop is javascript/D3js, but participants can choose a different prototyping platform or other web technologies depending on the goal of their project.
The workshop is an intensive educational course featuring hands-on activities, peer to peer learning and tutoring sessions. During the workshop tutoring sessions and resources are provided according to the design goal of the participants’ projects. The tutoring sessions focus on and web technologies. People with advanced tech proficiency is free to use their favorite prototyping and development framework, and get support and collaboration on the design level.
Open data
The 2016 edition of the workshop Adventures in data visualization aims to explore the field of Open Data. Participants will be introduced to the topic, obtain legal and technical grounding in open data, and access and manipulate on-line datasets to create their projects. Participants will be introduced to the wealth of new resources for creative investigation and exploration, such as open government data portals and cloud-based data aggregation tools.
Lake sessions Evening dives into the lake of Lugano are a warmly encouraged side activity of the workshop. Participants are warmly welcome to bring their own bath suit.
Teachers and tutors
Fabio Franchino
Fabio is a computational designer and a founding partner at ToDo. He has always been involved in creative processes, ranging in fields from music to design, passing through performing and generative arts. One day he discovered the potential of programming as a medium and unconventional tool for his creative purposes. He explores ideas through evolving processes, often finding unexpected, meaningful outcomes and new aesthetics. After gaining senior experience with ActionScript and Processing, recently he has been exploring JavaScript and web technology, trying to discover further creative potentials. He has taught in several institutions and has held workshops in his field of expertise; he also organized the first Italian event devoted to computational practices in art and design. www.todo.to.it
Oleg Lavrovsky
Oleg Lavrovsky is Director and leads the School of Data Working Group at Opendata.ch, Swiss chapter of Open Knowledge, a Canadian-Russian coder on a quest to find common sense beyond numbers, and build on shared knowledge through the art and science of data. Activist in the Open Knowledge community, organizer of data-driven hackathons, champion of innovation motivation, entrepreneur. Devoted parent and curiosity-accelerator for the next generation at the heart of interconnected Europe.
Serena Cangiano, Coordinator
Serena Cangiano, researcher, interaction designer and proud coordinator of the hands-on summer schools in interaction design at SUPSI. She will help with the fablab equipment while talking about open design and data.
Fabian Frei, Lake Sessions Tutor
Fabian Frei, designer and developer from San Gallen, highly capable of coding and swimming also at the same time.
Practical information
Requirements
Adventures in Data Visualization is open to interaction designers, creative coders, software developers, researchers and makers interested in doing things with data. A basic knowledge of scripting and programming language is recommended in order to participate. Motivated novices are very welcome to participate in the workshop. Participants must bring their own laptop.
Duration
5 days, from Sunday 24th to Thursday 28th July 2016, about 7 hours per day (35 hours)
Certificate and ECTS
Certificate of attendance and 2 ECTS
Registration fee
450 CHF / 150 CHF with scholarship for junior researchers and phd students
Language
English
Equipment and materials
Check the equipment of Fablab SUPSI Lugano here.
Venues
Workshop activities will take place at Campus Trevano SUPSI in the atelier of Master of Advanced Studies in Interaction Design and FabLab SUPSI Lugano, Building A, level -1.
Special events: Dataviz nights and final exhibition
Adventures in data visualization 2016 aims to be an event where people exchange information and visions about topics related to design and technology. Participants are warmly invited to give a public presentation about their works or interests during the special events program that will be made public before the start of the workshop. Lugano is a city offering many cultural and music events during the summer period. Here the information about Lugano Long Lake Festival that takes place from July to August.
Gallery
Visit the flickr album.