Week 13 - 14 | MA Data Visualisation Term 2
In the start of Spring Term, i need to assign our Unit 1 responsible design essay. Initially, I struggled to define a clear direction for my essay and mistakenly began drafting around the topic of my previous term’s WIP show project. However, just a few days before the start of the new term, after further reflection and discussions—including the insightful conversation with the data visualization designer from The Telegraph—I realised that my initial approach lacked a critical and theoretical foundation. I therefore decided to shift the focus of my Unit 1 essay to "Rethinking Ethical Data Visualisation: Integrating Data Feminism and Responsible Design".
This new direction allowed me to explore the intersection between theory and practice more rigorously, and to critically examine the ethical dimensions of visual design in contemporary contexts. The change not only aligned better with my academic interests, but also reflected my growing awareness of the responsibilities embedded in data storytelling.
Winter Break Reflection
At the same time, working closely with a diverse team allowed me to strengthen my collaboration skills and develop a more nuanced awareness of teamwork dynamics within creative projects. This experience has sparked a growing interest in curatorial practice and its potential to bridge design, narrative, and public engagement.
After the submission of Unit 1, Unit 4 commenced with a new and exciting challenge: collaborating with the Shambala Festival to design a data-driven installation for a music and arts context. Shortly after forming initial connections, I joined a five-person group with a shared interest in combining environmental data with immersive experiences. Our team quickly aligned on a collaborative vision, aiming to create an installation that not only communicates complex data in an engaging way, but also aligns with Shambala’s core values of sustainability and community. This phase marks a shift from individual research to collective design, requiring us to integrate diverse skill sets, manage creative differences, and co-develop a narrative that resonates with festival audiences.