MA Design for Data Visualisation brings together industry, alumni and students for design:data 2026

How can data become more engaging, accessible and meaningful?

These questions were at the heart of design:data 2026, an annual conference hosted by students and staff from the MA Design for Data Visualisation at London College of Communication, University of the Arts London.

The afternoon brought together students, practitioners, researchers and industry professionals to explore how design, storytelling and data can help people better understand the world around them. Through a programme of talks, workshops and discussion, attendees shared ideas and approaches spanning journalism, information design, creative technology and artistic practice.

The event featured keynote talks from Sarah-Grace Mankarious, Emmy Award-winning visual journalist at CNN, who explored techniques for interactive storytelling through data journalism, and artist and researcher Lisa Chang Lee, whose work demonstrated how data, sound and technology can reveal ecological processes beyond human perception.

The conference also celebrated the achievements of recent graduates. Interactive workshops were led by MA Design for Data Visualisation alumni Sophie Sparkes, Obinna Iwuji and Chani Wisdom, all of whom graduated from the course last year and are now progressing to funded PhD research in data visualisation. Returning to share their expertise with the next cohort reflected the course’s strong alumni community and its commitment to supporting graduates as they develop careers across research, industry and creative practice.

Alongside the conference, visitors explored an exhibition of current students’ developing Final Major Projects. The exhibition gave students the opportunity to present their research and design work to an audience of industry professionals, keynote speakers, alumni and fellow practitioners, receiving valuable feedback that will inform the next stage of their projects. The conversations sparked throughout the afternoon demonstrated the importance of dialogue and collaboration in developing thoughtful, impactful design.

design:data 2026 reflects the MA Design for Data Visualisation’s commitment to connecting students with leading practitioners while fostering a collaborative community that extends beyond graduation. By creating opportunities for students to learn from experts, share their work and engage directly with industry, the event demonstrated how the course equips graduates with the creative, technical and critical skills to shape the future of data storytelling.