Data narrative, 3D scene design
Made by Yiqing Tian
Made by Yiqing Tian
"Crimson Traces" is a data-driven spatial narrative that transforms intimate partner violence statistics into a multi-layered visual experience. Moving from global patterns to local cases in China, the project employs evocative visual metaphors - shadows, blood vessels, and binding elements - to make visible the often-hidden reality of IPV, creating an immersive journey that deepens public understanding of this critical social issue.
Worldwide, intimate partner violence presents a persistent challenge, prompting both international and domestic responses. In China, the issue has gained increasing attention, leading to new legislative measures addressing women's rights protection across multiple domains - from workplace discrimination to domestic violence - alongside broader UN sustainable development initiatives.
Background
Worldwide, intimate partner violence presents a persistent challenge, prompting both international and domestic responses. In China, the issue has gained increasing attention, leading to new legislative measures addressing women's rights protection across multiple domains - from workplace discrimination to domestic violence - alongside broader UN sustainable development initiatives.
Data Integration Framework
The data integration moves from global to local perspectives.
At the international level, the research combines WHO's IPV prevalence estimates, World Bank's legislative analysis, and World Economic Forum's gender gap indices to establish a comprehensive global context.
At the international level, the research combines WHO's IPV prevalence estimates, World Bank's legislative analysis, and World Economic Forum's gender gap indices to establish a comprehensive global context.
Moving to the national level, UNFPA's research on China provides detailed examination of five types of IPV behaviors, presenting both perpetration and victimization data through specific behavioral indicators such as weapon use in physical violence or verbal threats in emotional abuse.
At the case study level, legal documents from China Judgments Online, including divorce verdicts and personal safety protection orders, offer concrete insights into how domestic violence cases are handled within China's judicial system.
Design Concept
This installation design transforms statistical data into a three-part physical narrative, creating a progressive journey from global to local perspectives. The visualization strategy follows a funnel approach: beginning with worldwide IPV statistics, narrowing to specific behaviors in China, and concluding with individual legal cases.
Each section employs distinct visual metaphors drawn from the subject matter: shadows and blood vessels represent global statistics; ropes and binding elements symbolize specific violent behaviors; and official documents and command tokens reflect legal proceedings. The physical structure guides viewers through these layers, with each section's visual language becoming increasingly focused and concrete.
The design utilizes transparent panels, connecting lines, and suspended elements to create a multi-layered spatial experience, allowing viewers to engage with the data through both physical and visual interactions.
Data Narrative
