Narrative Mapping

NARRATIVE MAPPING

2018

THE BRIEF

In my Master of Graphic Design Studio course at NCSU, we were asked to draw from student-led workshops to develop an artifact that points to greater possibilities for Graphic Design expertise.

THE SOLUTION

Taking inspiration from our workshops on data visualization and predicting outcomes of design action, I wanted to construct a visual system to document human interactions and their impact, and I apply and test that system on existing narratives.

Resulting design from Outcomes of Design Action Workshop

Resulting design from Data Visualization workshop

As designers, we can apply what we observe towards improving individual and communal interactions. My artifact is a visual system that maps out interactions and shows how they affect (and, in essence, create) narrative progression. Its function is not just to improve future user interactions, but to also help users understand how past interactions influence personal development. In addition to designers, students and teachers can apply it to existing works of literature - or even moments in history - to analyze how conflicts develop and bring about change. They can then impart that understanding to other individuals or help facilitate positive interactions through teachings or designs.

Persona

College Student, Comparative Literature Major

In her seminar course, Molly is writing a paper about mother prototypes in fairy tales across multiple cultures. She wants to investigate how female protagonists interact with their respective mother figures, good and evil, and how those interactions facilitate narrative development. Molly is analyzing ten fairy tales and needs a way to quickly compare and contrast plot developments caused by positive and negative interactions.

Key