Back to All Events

Catalyst: The Secret Language of Maps

  • Museum of Design Atlanta 1315 Peachtree Street Northeast Atlanta, GA, 30309 United States (map)
"The Secret Language of Maps: How to Tell Visual Stories with Data" Standford d.school book by Carissa Carter

In-person at MODA


When Marion Marlow sets out to find Julie Romero, she must gather data, organize it, and present it to others to solve the mystery of Julie’s disappearance . . .

But how can she do this most effectively? Through maps!

In The Secret Language of Maps, a Stanford d.school guide, author Carissa Carter uses a short mystery to introduce readers to the power of mapping and the bias that's implicit in all maps and infographics.

Mapping is the funnest tool we have for sorting and presenting data, and maps can illustrate both geographic and infographic information. They help us track what’s most important and make sense of the world around us, and they’re an essential component of any designer’s toolbox!

At the next session of Catalyst, a series for those who are passionate about design and the ways in which it can change their lives, we’ll be diving into The Secret Language of Maps, and we’d love for you to join us!

Facilitated by Kevin Day, Impact Design Lab Coordinator at the Mount Vernon School, the meet-up will include:

  • An introduction to the book The Secret Language of Maps

  • A discussion of the main ideas in The Secret Language of Maps (reading the book in advance isn’t necessary)

  • Insight from those who have leveraged map-making to achieve positive changes in their lives and careers

    . . . And more! Stay tuned for updates to this page!


About The Secret Language of Maps

Maps, data and infographics are supposed to help us make sense of the world.

In this book, Carissa Carter — academic director at the Stanford d.school — has penned a murder mystery to pull back the curtain on bias that's implicit in all maps and infographics, even using them to solve the crime.

Employing an incredibly engaging approach, this practical guide not only teaches you how to read and design maps, but it also gives you the tools to interpret the daily infographics you see in the news, in business, and everywhere else.

After reading this book, you’ll look for the agenda behind every map and the hidden messages lurking within data in a world full of misinformation. 


The cost to attend this event is $22.

  • This fee includes a copy of The Secret Language of Maps, valued at $15.

  • Want to pick up your book before the meet-up? Just email Mary at maryk@museumofdesign.org after your register to work that out!

  • The Museum of Design Atlanta is conveniently located in the Midtown Arts District, right across the street from the Woodruff Arts Center at 1315 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309.

    MODA is located on the ground floor of the 1315 Peachtree Building. The building is a mix use site and is shared by MODA, the Peachtree Public Library, and Perkins+Will.

    MODA resides on the land of the Mvskoke (Muscogee / Creek) people.

  • Parking

    MODA does not offer designated parking. There are public parking lots located in the Midtown Arts district, as well as metered parking available along Peachtree St NE. The paid Lanier parking deck at 1337 Peachtree St NE is the closest deck within walking distance of the museum.

    Bike Riders

    For visitors traveling by bike, there are plenty of bike racks conveniently located around MODA! You can find them along Peachtree Street, including right outside of MODA, and at the Arts Center MARTA Station. Don’t forget to bring a lock!

    Marta

    If visiting by train, take the North or South rail line to the Arts Center MARTA Station (N5), located directly behind the Woodruff Arts Center (accessible). Exit the Arts Center Station at the top level by the Peachtree Street exit. You will be behind the Woodruff Arts Center. MODA is located directly across the street from the Woodruff Arts Center. Use the cross-walk at the intersection of 16th and Peachtree to reach our building.

    For more information on MARTA schedules, maps, and connections from other transit providers, please visit the MARTA website.

    We offer a 20% discount on museum admission for patrons who used public transportation to get to MODA! (DOES NOT APPLY TO SUNDAY FUNDAY SPECIAL RATE)

  • MODA reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment requirements are not met, but don't worry: should MODA have to cancel, we will gladly issue a full refund to all registrants. If you need to cancel your plans for any reason, we kindly request that you notify us at least 7 days prior to the event start. By doing so, we can process a refund for the ticket cost (minus a small $10 processing fee per class). Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations made less than 7 days before an event.‌

  • Designers with different styles of learning or special needs are welcome in MODA public programs. We will be able to most effectively help everyone learn and enjoy this experience if we know about those needs in advance of the program. Please email maryk@museumofdesign.org with questions or information.

  • Email Mary at maryk@museumofdesign.org with any questions.

Previous
Previous
July 26

Wine & Design: Al Dente Guided Tour

Next
Next
August 11

Sunday Funday: PLAYSCAPES