Learn how to get your message across with the latest digital tech

Module details

  • Offered to Year 3 students in Spring term
  • Thursdays 16:00-18:00
  • Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington)
  • 1-term module worth 5 ECTS 
  • Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore 

Got any questions?

Contact the lecturer
Rebecca Jones
rebecca.jones@imperial.ac.uk

Benji Fenech Salerno
b.fenech-salerno@imperial.ac.uk

Ravi Singh
ravi.singh@imperial.ac.uk

You will develop practical skills to design and deliver effective communication integrating traditional presentations with modern digital tools. You will learn how to structure arguments, design clear visual materials, and present technical information in accessible ways. Alongside these core communication principles, the module introduces technologies that can enhance presentations, including interactive data visualisations, multimedia content, 3D models, and generative AI-assisted tools. Through practical workshops, you will use these tools and critically assess their reliability, accessibility, ethics, and environmental impact. The module culminates in a group presentation linked to a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of the coming academic year.

Accordian

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will better be able to: 

  • Apply principles of effective communication to design clear, accessible presentation materials tailored to specific audiences. 
  • Create dynamic and/or interactive communication artefacts using digital tools to support engagement and understanding across different communication contexts. 
  • Evaluate the strengths and limitations of emerging technologies when used in communication, considering factors such as reliability, accessibility, ethical implications, and environmental impact. 
  • Design and deliver outputs that integrate traditional communication principles with appropriate digital tools. 
Indicative core content
  • Principles of clear and effective presentations, including structure, narrative flow, and visual clarity
  • Visual design and data visualisation for communicating complex information
  • Designing engaging presentation materials using tools such as Canva or Adobe Express
  • Creating multimedia content, including short video and audio elements for communication
  • Generative AI tools for creating visualisations, images, and supporting communication design
  • Introduction to interactive and immersive formats, such as 3D models or augmented/virtual visualisations
  • Integrating digital elements (e.g. data visualisations, multimedia, or interactive content) into presentations and communication materials;
  • Ethical, accessibility, and sustainability considerations in the use of digital tools and AI in communication.
Learning and teaching approach

Most sessions will begin with a short lecture of approximately 30 minutes, introducing key communication concepts. This will be followed by practical workshop activities in which you apply these concepts to technically relevant problems.

The workshops will emphasise hands-on learning through activities such as designing presentation materials, creating visualisations, developing multimedia content, and experimenting with interactive or AI-assisted communication formats. You will analyse examples of both effective and ineffective communication, and discuss how different tools and approaches affect clarity, engagement, and accessibility.

Each session will conclude with a reflective task, allowing you to consolidate their learning from the session and to discuss with your peers how these insights can be integrated into your final presentation.

Assessment

Coursework: 

  • Individual reflective critique (30%)

Practical: 

  • Group presentation (70%)
Key information
  • Requirements: It is compulsory to take an I-Explore module during your degree (you’ll take an I-Explore module in either your 2nd or 3rd year, depending on your department). You are expected to attend all classes and undertake approximately 105 hours of independent study in total during the module. Independent study includes for example reading and preparation for classes, researching and writing coursework assignments, project work and preparing for other assessments 
  • I-Explore modules are worth 5 ECTS credit towards your degree; to receive these you will have to pass the module. The numerical mark that you obtain will not be included in the calculation of your final degree result, but it will appear on your transcript 
  • This module is designed as an undergraduate Level 6 course 
  • This module is offered by the Department of Chemistry