Amber Lee Fawson

How We Find Belonging

Created for the MA in Data Design
at Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering
with mentorship from Paadín, Co-director of the MA Data Design

Entry for the 2024 Information Is Beautiful Awards

About my project

I asked 200 people to tell me about a group or person with whom they feel belonging. From their responses, I created a flow chart that is several meters long.

At any point in the flow chart, the answers of just a few people are highlighted, and you can read personal testimonials that go along with the answers. The chart is printed on 120-gram recycled stock and is accordion folded, allowing viewers to focus on one panel at a time, or to take in the full flow chart.

My goal with this piece was to create a meaningful data experience that could offer insights and reflection to any person who is looking for places to belong. I also believed that such a data experience could help individuals see that they are not alone in their search for belonging.

When approaching the flow chart in the exhibition, visitors first saw the title and introduction followed by the chart itself.

Survey respondents had the option to volunteer testimonials. Over half of respondents shared a testimonial, almost all of which were powerful.

I had the chart printed on 120-gram recycled stock, and then I scored, folded and assembled the chart.

The full chart

The full chart represents 44 of the 200 responses to my survey about belonging.

About the process

I selected and matched answers individually using Excel. My earlier attempts to use AI for this process produced unsatisfactory results.

I composed the chart in Figma, drawing each line individually.