Jennifer Lim
MFA Design Research and Development, 2024

Project Description:
Conspiracy theories and disinformation are increasingly prevalent in today's digital media landscape, exacerbating societal divisions driven by extreme anti-science and political mindsets. Addressing this issue requires urgent and effective interventions. This project aims to provide a holistic and empathetic introduction to complex topics through information and web design principles. Using the flat earth theory as a case study, the research focuses on the mindsets and impacts on individuals and their families, rather than the theories themselves.

A website is designed and developed to educate the general public, particularly non-experts, using concise language and visualizations to simplify complex information. To foster a more positive outlook and empower individuals in navigating the information landscape, the project explores design fiction and backcasting methods to highlight the importance of close collaboration among stakeholders to create a comprehensive approach to the issue.

Committee Members:
Paul Nini (Advisor), Yvette Shen, David Staley

Keywords:
Web Design, Information Design, User Experience Design, Design Fiction, Conspiracy Theory, Flat Earth Theory