Humanity is approaching a defining stage in its history: exploration of the universe. Cross-medium design can be used to create an identity for humanity in this context, which is practically applicable for understanding by both humans and extra-terrestrial beings.
Project Aim
The aim of this project was to create a cross-medium identity for humanity in the context of our impending colonial expansion into the universe. This identity needed to be understandable by both humans and extra-terrestrial intelligence – a task which required accounting for variances in the audience’s ability to communicate. Thus, a system needed to be developed which allows the identity to be translated across mediums while still retaining its meaning.
Earth
The graphic for Earth is made up of multiple components. Centrally, we have the circle for Earth size relatively to the rest of the system, and in a hexagonal pattern surrounding are the molecules which make up human DNA. Further out there are the molcules for water and oxygen, before finally we have the molecular composition of Earth's atmosphere, which each planet also has included.
Atoms
Below are the graphics for each of the atoms included in the full design system.
Hydrogen
H
Helium
He
Carbon
C
Nitrogen
N
Oxygen
O
Sodium
Na
Phosphorus
P
The Planets
Each of the planets in the system are scaled and include their basic atmospheric composition.
Mercury
Atmosphere: 40% Oxygen, 30% Sodium, 10% Helium, 20% Hydrogen.
Venus
Atmosphere: Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).
Mars
Atmosphere: Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).
Jupiter
Atmosphere: 90% Hydrogen, 10% He.
Saturn
Atmosphere: H₂.
Uranus
Atmosphere: 75% Hydrogen, 25% Helium.
Neptune
Atmosphere: 80% Hydrogen, 20% Helium.
The Sun
The sun is scaled compared to the planets, and contains its atmospheric composition: 75% Hydrogen, 25% Helium.
Process Work
Explore process work for this project.
Research Proposal
Part one of this project was the research and design proposal. This document contains the research, case studies, theories and early ideas which Interstellar Identity came from.
Early Ideation
Early development focused on basic symbols, binary and morse code as a visual form of presenting information. I also decided early on that the information would be scientific in nature as this is most likely to be a universal concept.
Digital Development
I began experimenting with icons, visual forms and layouts. It was important to ensure the design was mathematically sound (especially in terms of proportions and sizing), which made for an interesting problem in balancing that with aesthetically pleasing design.
Audio Development
While designing the visual form, I was also working on the audio, using the tone generator in Adobe Audition. I used different wavelengths and lengths of tones as a way to present data in audio form.
Accompanying Report
Alongside the development of the project was a studio report, detailing the process, theory and thinking that went into Interstellar Identity.
Download the Report