104 Days Later: a scrollable data story
I had the privilege of collaborating with Art Data Health on an impactful project titled "104 Days Later - A Scrollable Lockdown Data Story." This marked my first project with Art Data Health, where we embarked on a journey to compare the national data surrounding the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK with the real experiences of individuals in Brighton. Working closely with project lead Aristea Fotopolou, I took on the responsibility for every aspect of the project, from data gathering to final delivery.
This project allowed me to use so many of my skills, including research, interviewing, graphic design, videography plus learning how to build a website.
Aims and Purpose:
The core objective of "104 Days Later" was to create a captivating narrative that would weave together national data with personal accounts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the lockdown's impact. Through the medium of a scrollable website, enriched with animations, graphics, and interactive elements, we aimed to engage and connect users with the data and stories presented. By fusing quantitative data with qualitative insights, our project sought to foster a deeper appreciation and empathy for the lived experiences during the lockdown.
Tools and Methods:
This project had several key stages.
Step 1 - data gathering and early research
The aim of the project was to compare the national data with real experience of Brighton people. We primarily wanted to focus on the issues of physical health, mental health and financial health, so structured a survey around these topics. Using the survey tool Typeform, I designed and distributed surveys to capture responses from individuals, delving into their unique experiences throughout the lockdown period.
This survey allowed me to:
identify key themes and shape the project's focus effectively.
gather actual content which could be used as text quotes in the final site
pinpoint potential interviewees for the second stage
Step 2 - interviews
Zoom interviews played a pivotal role in gathering personal narratives, as they offered a safe and accessible platform for engaging with participants. These interviews allowed me to explore a wide range of topics, covering physical, mental, and financial aspects of the lockdown experience. While some interviews were conducted via video, others were audio-only to accommodate participants' preferences and comfort levels.
Step 3 - curation
By this point I had a number of long interviews, which I then trawled for useful and relevant soundbites. I wanted to ensure I had compelling video content for all the major issues being faced. As well as the main topics of physical, mental and financial health, we also added in a section for the experience of people of colour, and the impact on work and home life.
Step 4 - building the site
After curating and selecting the most compelling soundbites from the interviews, I embarked on the process of constructing the scrollable website. Leveraging the power of Vev, an intuitive and dynamic website creation tool, I brought the project to life. With Vev's robust features, I crafted an immersive digital experience that seamlessly incorporated multimedia clips, animations, and interactive elements. These captivating elements were designed to unfold and engage users as they scrolled through the website, offering an engaging and insightful journey through the lockdown data story.
Step 5 - create intro film to set the scene
Challenges:
Undertaking this project came with its fair share of challenges that required careful navigation.
Diversity of interviewees
One significant hurdle was the limited ability to engage with a diverse range of participants due to the constraints imposed by the pandemic and the lockdown. As a result, it was challenging to attain a comprehensive representation of individuals, including those from different ethnic backgrounds and economically disadvantaged communities. Given the circumstances, I focused on reaching out to a diverse group of participants through various channels to ensure a meaningful representation of experiences within the project's scope.
Learning a new tool
Additionally, this project introduced the task of learning a new tool, Vev, which presented a learning curve. However, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, dedicating time and effort to master the features and functionalities of the platform. This allowed me to effectively manage and present the abundant content, ensuring an engaging and seamless narrative throughout the scrollable website.
Overcoming these challenges, both in terms of participant diversity and mastering a new tool, allowed me to grow both professionally and creatively. The project pushed me to adapt and find innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing the impact and significance of "104 Days Later - A Scrollable Lockdown Data Story."