data portraits - what animal are you?
This project is inspired by the work of Giorga Lupi. Each designer was required to create our own survey consisting of original questions and a unique data system. Each question in the survey corresponded to a design element with the answer changing certain aspects, such as the color or shape. Upon completion, the answers of each participant were assessed to create a “data portrait” unique to them, which was then made into a physical pin.
I began this assignment by brainstorming what type of survey could be both unique and enjoyable. From the beginning, I knew that I did not want it to consist of typical data-gathering questions; instead, I wanted it to have a more playful and fun aspect to it. I came up with the idea of a survey in which the participants would be creating their own unique animal based on the answers to six simple questions.
To create the survey designs themselves, after the sketching and brainstorming stage, I built them in Adobe Illustrator. For the font, I chose a rounded sans serif to highlight the more playful feel I wished to achieve. Because of how small the cards were, I did not wish to make them too intricate by using multiple fonts, nor did I want to include many small elements that would confuse the participant. Therefore, I went with a simple abstract shape in the background to create more interest but ensure that I did not distract the viewer from the more important elements.
Once I received the completed surveys, I returned to Adobe Illustrator, and I laid all elements of the buttons on top of each other so that I could easily switch out certain aspects (such as the fur and head shape) depending on the answer to each question.
After the digital designs were finalized, I then printed them and began the button making process. By using a button press, each pin was handmade before being handed back to the participants.
Once the previous stages were completed, it was time to create a poster that both showcased our finalized pins and also explain what the project was about. I did research and took inspiration from a slew of designers that I admire before beginning the sketching stage. Knowing that I did not wish to have a clean-cut poster design that would conflict with the whimsy of my pins and survey, I sought out designers that have a messier and more flexible style of design. Reflecting on their design choices aided me in creating a poster that was fun but not overwhelming or chaotic.
This project was something out of the ordinary for me. To create a project that has multiple parts that need to be cohesive (yet non-repetitive in the case of the poster) was a challenge for me. I am a firm believer that variety is the spice of life, so at times it can be difficult to not feel as though a series I create is repetitive or boring. But, by having the freedom of creating my own design system and subject, it helped me learn how to push the boundaries and create something unique despite the basic guidelines that were set for me.
