Design-minded.

Research-oriented.

(beyond) Human-centered.



VLab helps make knowledge more accessible and understandable to everyone.

Based in the Department of Design at The Ohio State University, VLab leverages the power of visual communication and prioritizes visualization as a means of knowledge building:

We collaborate with researchers and potential user communities to distill complex data and information into clear insights. With advanced visualization techniques, we transform and translate academic and educational content for the general public. Our goal is to make the 'what, why, and how' of different subjects accessible and understandable to all.

VLab is highly experienced in using cognitive foundations, visual and textural mechanisms, information design principles and techniques to create static and interactive infographics, information design, data and concept visualization materials in print, physical, interactive digital and mixed media.

  • All
  • Print
  • Digital
  • Mixed
data materials

Delicious Data: material matters

Data Physicalization
AIGA DEC Design Educator Survey Results

AIGA DEC Design Educator Survey Results

Digital Interactive
Self-tracked Data Dashboard

Self-tracked Data Dashboard

Teaching + Research
Visualizing Self-Tracked Data to Navigate Well-being

Visualizing Self-Tracked Data to Navigate Well-being

Teaching + Research
Total Eclipse

Total Eclipse

Print
Tracking Acts of Kindness through Comics

Tracking Acts of Kindness through Comics

Research

Bloom

Digital Interactive

Sickle Cell Trait Explained

Print + Digital Interactive

Data-driven Narrative

Digital Animation

The key activities of VLab include ❯

  • Research: Conducting user research, data analysis, and other research methods to identify the best ways to visualize and communicate information.
  • Design: Creating appropriate design forms that communicate information in an effective and engaging way.
  • Prototyping: Building and testing various prototypes of graphics, visualizations, and narratives to see what works best and make improvements.
  • Assessment: Assessing the effectiveness of the visualizations and graphics through formative and summative methods.
  • Implementation: Deploying the final visualizations and graphics in various formats, such as print and tangible materials, websites, social media packages, and presentations, and making sure that they are accessible to the intended users.
  • Training: Providing training and support for students and stakeholders on how to create and use visualizations effectively.
  • Community Building: Building and fostering a community of designers, researchers, developers, and others who are interested in visual communication and information design.
  • Learning: Stay updated with the latest design directions, technologies, and methodologies. Assist students in preparing for professional practices.

Want to collaborate or share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you.

✹ Location:

Department of Design
108 N Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
Hayes Hall, Room 222

✺ Email:

shen.1049"AT"osu.edu