In a world of 3-second videos and endless doomscrolling, how do we shape what people feel, believe, or do—through images? How can we use visual culture to shape identity, emotion, and influence—across time, across media, and across generations?
Humans have always used images to say: “Look over here. This happened. I matter.” Cave paintings were probably humanity’s first humblebrags. Roman reliefs were the empire’s version of Instagram posts—curated to impress, to tell a story, or to be remembered. Whether it’s a medieval tapestry or a 15-second Instagram reel, every generation turns images into influence.
In this course, you’ll study how images were used to draw people in—into belief systems, stories, or shared identities. From stained-glass to sculpture, art wasn’t passive—it guided emotions, decisions, and behavior. You’ll visit museums across Switzerland, France, and Germany to decode these messages and start seeing the strategy behind the image. For anyone going into business, media, or tech, this is the foundation of user experience.