Policy Communication: A Visual Design Course for Policy Researchers

This course teaches students to think like designers so they can create and commission effective policy visuals. Students learn to analyze their audience, write clear design briefs, and give constructive creative feedback that actually moves a project forward. Through hands-on work, they apply visual communication principles to translate complex policy ideas into persuasive, audience-centered infographics using the latest generative AI creative tools from Google and other providers. Each student builds their infographic around their own research project. By the end of the course, students are able to art direct their own visuals, whether they're working with AI tools, creative collaborators, or both.