Week 27 - 28 | MA Data Visualisation Term 3




During the past two weeks, my primary focus has been the "Beyond Word Studio" project, where I explored the spatial behaviour of squirrels in Central Park through data visualisation. By collecting and mapping their movement trajectories, I aimed to generate abstract yet data-informed visual patterns that reflect how non-human life interacts with urban green space. This project offered a unique lens to interpret animal mobility as a form of narrative cartography.

Through participation in the studio’s workshops, I deepened my understanding of industry-standard visualisation techniques and the broader discourse surrounding locative media and environmental storytelling. Collaborative work within the group project also highlighted the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, enhancing both my communication and coordination skills.

Additionally, this project marked my growing technical fluency with tools such as Mapbox and HTML, allowing me to experiment with interactive map-based design and explore the potential of geospatial visualisation frameworks.
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Off Print Festival




Attending the Offprint Book Fair was an enriching experience that offered valuable insights into the independent publishing landscape, particularly at the intersection of visual culture, critical design, and experimental publishing. The fair showcased a diverse range of publications—from photobooks and zines to research-driven editorial projects—highlighting the expansive possibilities of print as a medium for artistic expression and knowledge dissemination.

What stood out most was the curatorial diversity and the emphasis on self-initiated practices. Many exhibitors challenged conventional publishing formats by blurring the boundaries between book, object, archive, and exhibition. This not only expanded my understanding of what constitutes a “book,” but also encouraged me to think more critically about the role of materiality, layout, and typography in shaping reader experience. The tactility and intentional imperfection in some works reinforced the idea of books as personal, intimate artifacts—resisting the polished aesthetic of mass production.





Mentoring Support











Over the past weeks, the mentoring support I received has played a pivotal role in enhancing both my academic planning and emotional well-being. With the guidance of my mentor, I was able to create a structured weekly timetable that provided clarity and direction amidst a demanding schedule. This planning process not only helped me manage my time more effectively, but also reduced the anxiety that often arises from academic uncertainty.

Beyond academic support, the mentoring sessions offered a safe and empathetic space for personal reflection. I was encouraged to voice my mental health concerns, which I had previously kept to myself. The ability to talk openly and receive professional advice brought me a sense of relief and reassurance. It reminded me that seeking help is not a weakness, but a step toward resilience.

Overall, the mentoring support has made me feel more equipped and emotionally grounded to face upcoming challenges. It has shown me the value of holistic guidance—where both the mind and schedule are supported equally—and I am truly grateful for this transformative experience.


Beyond Word Studio Workshop



Following Thursday’s presentation, I came to realise that while technical execution remains a crucial component of the project, it is the strength of narrative storytelling that ultimately determines audience engagement. The feedback and observations I received highlighted a need to move beyond purely data-driven or aesthetically technical approaches and to more deliberately craft an emotional and conceptual arc that resonates with viewers.

In particular, I recognised that the absence of a clear and compelling storytelling structure limited the communicative power of my visualisation. While technical precision and interaction design are vital, they do not necessarily capture or sustain attention on their own. In contrast, developing a well-structured storyboard and translating it into animated visual outputs has proven to be a more effective strategy for engaging diverse audiences. Animation, when supported by a narrative frame, enables temporal progression, emotional pacing, and a layered unfolding of meaning—elements that static data graphics may not always provide.

Moving forward, I plan to reframe the project through a more audience-centred lens, prioritising storytelling as a core design principle. This includes rethinking the sequencing of information, enhancing visual metaphors, and exploring motion-based transitions that guide interpretation. This experience has reminded me that in the context of design for communication, narrative is not merely an aesthetic device—it is a structural necessity.