Teaching Information Visualization through Situated Design: Case Studies from the Classroom

In this article, we discuss an experience with design and situated learning in the Creative Data Visualization course, part of the Visual Communication Design undergraduate program at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a free, public Brazilian university that, thanks to affirmative action policies, has become more inclusive over the years. We begin with a brief introduction to the terms Situated Knowledge, coined by Donna Haraway, Situated Design, based on the former concept, and Situated Learning. We then examine the similarities and differences between these notions and the term Situated Visualization to present a model for the concept of Situated Learning in Information Visualization. Following this foundation, we describe the applied methodology, emphasizing the importance of integrating real-world contexts into students’ projects. As a case study, we present three student projects produced as final assignments for the course. Through this article, we aim to underscore the articulation of situated design concepts in information visualization activities and contribute to teaching and learning practices in this field, particularly within the Global South.