Big Data & Design

We create more than 2.5 trillion bytes of data every day. This data can come from anywhere: sensors in your smart energy meters, your public transport chip card, your e-reader, or the GPS data of your favourite running route, to name just a few. This data is called Big Data.

In addition, the number of ways and speed we can analyse data is increasing. With big data we can automatically compile personal profiles, determine the sentiment of users, and predict next actions. All this has its effect on the design of applications and user interfaces, which become smarter every day. They predict what users want, adapt automatically to its preferences, and creates more natural ways of interacting (for example through voice). However, it is still a challenge for organisations to use all that data and to design valuable new perspectives.

During this programme you will learn about all the steps of the data cycle: from collecting data to designing a service/product using data. You also learn about the impact of data on the world, companies, and the behaviour of individuals. You learn to look critically at this and apply data (techniques) appropriately.

After the programme you can:

1. Critically examine the impact of big data on our society.
2. Use design research to create innovative data-driven concepts.
3. Collect, clean, analyse and visualise data from various sources through tools and basic programming.
4. Create and communicate insights, predictions and actions from data using basic machine learning techniques and statistics.
5. Learn new skills and methods within design research and data science using a self-directed, experimental, inquisitive learning style.

Would you like to know more about this programme or do you have a specific question? Please contact the programme coordinator, Lars Heemskerk.

We distinguish 3 components which will come together in projects, hackathons and design crunches. To prepare you for these projects and design crunches, you work on smaller assignments and take part in workshops, discussions, and lectures.

The 3 components are:

• Design class
  Since we focus on data-driven concepts and smart applications in these classes, you will need to gain some elementary design skills. You will also learn to understand data from multiple perspectives (economical, philosophical, and ethical) and form your own opinion by reading relevant literature, having discussions, and attending workshops. Research is important in this programme: starting from data informed research and ending with research through design.
• Technical class
  In these classes you will learn to work with Python to collect, analyse and visualise data using various algorithms, tools, and techniques. You will learn to make predictions based on data and explore more advanced technologies such as facial recognition, object detection and language processing.
• Combined class (Data research lab)
  Both the technical, and the design teacher are present in these lessons. Here you can continue working on your research and assignments and delve deeper into the tools to get to know the domain of big data and design better.

Beside the 12 to 16 hours of classes divided over three days you should count around 24 to 28 hours of self-study. You are encouraged to further explore topics of interest to developing stronger technical and design skills.

Assessment

You will be assessed at the end of the semester in an oral assessment and portfolio. Every 6 weeks we will give you clear feedback to make sure that the assessment at the end does not come as a surprise. If you fail on one or more learning objectives at the final assessment, you will be given an opportunity to resit these with an assignment.

In our Course Guide you can find all relevant information about the programme in one practical document. Download it here for your convenience.

• Course guide Big Data & Design

This minor is interesting for students with a background in:

• communication
• media
• ICT
• business
• entrepreneurship
• journalism

You will learn some basic computer programming that will help you feel comfortable and confident when working with data. In the past many non-technical students have successfully finished this programme.

There are no additional entry requirements.

English CEFR level B2.

Please note: You may be asked to take a language assessment test before the start of the programme. If your English language skills are below the required level, you may not be able to enter the course, as you need to be able to actively participate in (parts of) the programme. In all cases, the programme manager makes the final decision.