Digital Design2024
Signal / Atlas.
An interface study for a visual research archive — dense information, calm navigation.
- Year
- 2024
- Discipline
- Digital Design
- Client
- Self-initiated concept study
Looper - Website design for the aviation procurement platform Inspiration
01The project
Signal / Atlas is a self-initiated interface study for a fictional archive of visual research. The problem: how do you make thousands of images browsable without turning them into a wall of thumbnails?
The answer is a two-mode interface. Atlas mode arranges material spatially; Signal mode surfaces relationships and threads between items.
02Objectives
Design an archive that supports both wandering and targeted research; keep the interface quiet enough that the material stays the subject.
03Creative concept
Two metaphors, one database: a map and a signal board. Neither mode is primary; the user switches when their question changes.
04Design process
I mapped real research behaviours (browse, collect, compare, cite) and designed components against those tasks. The visual system uses a strict 8-point spacing scale and a single accent colour for interaction.
05Final solution
An interactive prototype covering archive home, item detail, collection view and search, with a documented component set.
06Outcome
A tested prototype and design documentation. Concept study, not a shipped product.
✳ Selected visuals
3 images
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