02  Methods

Mapping

Mapping includes mostly the consideration of a specific time and place. It gives credit to a moment that can not be recreated, a unique experience with all its details. Mapping removes randomness and makes data, also visual data traceable by compromising information concerning date, exact time, gps datas or at least to give an idea where the place can be found. When collecting data is necessary, mapping should be a main concern and adds to a precise and valuable investigation.

Mapping even counts if a created artwork is inspired by collected data, in that case, the artwork itself still refers to a source and is mapped. In that way also multiple references can be traced back to their origin.

Furthermore mapping datas can also be fictive and the main concept behind a design. By inventing mapping data it becomes obvious how important they are and how much they influence the perception of a design.

Project: North — An Archive for Visual Research and Experiments
By: Stephanie Müller
Year: 2015

How can nature be observed and the context ‘north’ translated into graphic design? This work tries to document a semester abroad in Lapland and to extend the visual archive by a translation into graphic design. Regarding the current design discourse and the discussion about what design research can be, expert opinions are used and own methods in the style of experiments are developed. What is meant by an experiment, what such an experimental set-up can look like and which procedures are suitable will be explained, as well the transfer of the results into a design practice.

A project was developed which shows how graphic design can be created from collected information through analysis and systematic procedures. This in turn refers directly to the source information ‘north’.