COM Emerging Tech for Communication Innovation Series: The Living Visualization Lab: Storytelling, Design Thinking & AI in Modern Newsrooms

09 Dec 2025 (Tue)

On 3 December 2025, Dr. Catherine Ma, a researcher in visualization storytelling and full-stack designer with the South China Morning Post (SCMP) Graphics Team, presented a seminar titled “The Living Visualization Lab: Storytelling, Design Thinking & Generative AI in Modern Newsrooms.” Her work focuses on transforming complex data into accessible public knowledge through visual narratives, bridging the gap between academic research and industry practices, and fostering responsible communication in the digital age.
 
Dr. Ma emphasized the importance of visualization storytelling in modern journalism and introduced the daily production workflow for SCMP Graphics, along with the associated decision-making processes. She showcased practical uses of generative AI in visualization workflows while stressing the necessity of a human-in-the-loop approach. She wrapped up the lecture by discussing research and teaching implications, accompanied by relevant modules.
 
Both faculty members and doctoral students posed thoughtful questions about the AI's implications for journalism and practical data-visualization formats. Dr. Ma responded with valuable insights drawn from her extensive newsroom experience, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating exchange.