EXPERIMENTS IN INFORMATION DESIGN — Week 3

Data Physicalization & Autographic Design

Task
Create a small physical representation of data — or let data record itself.

Option A: Data Physicalization

• Choose a dataset (e.g. from your Data Walk, from the news, or one you generate).
• Translate it into a 3D physical artifact (e.g. arrangement of objects, folding, stacking, knots, strings, weights).

Option B: Autographic Design

• Choose a phenomenon that inscribes its own data (dust, traces, wear, light, heat, sound).
• Design a simple setup where the phenomenon leaves a trace (photo, video, collected objects).

Documentation

• Photograph or film the result.
• Bring the artifact (if portable) or documentation to the next session.
• Add a short note (max. 100 words): what data became visible, and how?

Questions

• What is represented or inscribed?
• How was the physical encoding chosen?
• What role does materiality play?
• Is the recording actively designed or autographic (self-generated)?
• What limitations or surprises emerged?