Final Synthesis Design Studio 16

The 2020/2021 edition of the Final Synthesis Design Studio explored the social, cultural, and political implications of digital technologies through data visualization and communication design. The course focused on the role of digital platforms in shaping information, behaviors, and public debate, addressing issues such as conspiracy theories, content moderation, online activism, algorithmic influence, and digital identities.

The course followed a three-phase approach. Students first explored the Internet through structured data, producing printed visualizations addressing its infrastructure, accessibility, and evolution. They then applied digital methods to investigate specific online phenomena and controversies, developing interactive research reports. In the final phase, students translated their findings into experimental digital artifacts designed to engage specific audiences, raise awareness, and encourage critical reflection and action.

Throughout the course, visualization was approached as a means of investigating complex digital phenomena and transforming research findings into public-facing experiences, exploring how communication design can contribute to critical awareness and public engagement.

Student outputs

All student projects are documented on the 2020/2021 course website, organized according to the three phases of the course:

1. Data as Material: Printed data visualizations exploring the Internet’s infrastructure, accessibility, security, and global development.
2. Data as Artifact: Interactive research reports investigating online cultures, platform dynamics, and digital controversies through digital methods.
3. Data Publics: Experimental digital artifacts using interactive and narrative approaches to engage audiences and encourage reflection and action on the issues explored.