Hohe Berge / Tiefe Wälder
FOLLOWING MY ANCESTOR’S FOOTSTEPS THROUGH DATAVISUALISATION.
Information Design
Editorial Design
Year
2019
Client
New Design University
(Bachelor’s Project)
(Bachelor’s Project)
Team
Solo Project
Roles
Research
Concept
Design
Concept
Design
Overview
My bachelor's project explores the journeys of my grandfather, Moritz, during his time in World War II and his subsequent bicycle tours through Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Italy in the years following the war. It shows his routes over multiple years visualized using information design. Titled "Hohe Berge / Tiefe Wälder" this project presents two books that depict the varied routes and experiences of this period.
Challenge
Never having met my grandfather I had to do extensive research to gather original documents, maps, and personal anecdotes, without losing sight of the specific period I wanted to highlight. I wanted to make sure the design honored the history behind the theme while still incorporating a modern and visually captivating way to present it.
Approach
I began by collecting all available documents, letters, and photographs related to my grandfather’s journeys. This involved reaching out to family members and exploring family archives.
I then filtered and organized this information chronologically and geographically to create a clear timeline of events.
I then filtered and organized this information chronologically and geographically to create a clear timeline of events.
Results
After compiling and organizing the research materials, I started by sketching the general layout structure and subsequently used a combination of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign to create detailed infographics and maps. These visuals were integrated into the book alongside narratives that provided context and background to each phase of the journey. Separated in two chapters for each book, this dual approach ensured both the preservation of original documents and the creation of an engaging experience for readers.
Documentation of Original Materials
A curated section showcasing letters, photographs, and maps from my grandfather's journeys. Each document is accompanied by detailed captions that provide historical and personal context for either his time in the war or his journeys afterwards.
INTERPRETATION OF GATHERED DATA
The second part of each book builds upon the historical representation of the events during that time and uses infographics and maps to illustrate the routes taken by my grandfather over multiple years. These visuals highlight key locations, distances traveled and significant events along the way.
SUMMARIZING THE GATHERED STORIES
Each book ends on a visual summary that uses those infographics to show the story not by chapter but as a whole. The final book covers were printed by hand using a screen printer to preserve the haptic and historic experience of the documents used in my research.
Results and Reflection
Working on this project has been a deeply rewarding experience, enhancing my skills in both research and information design. It has taught me the importance of combining traditional storytelling with modern visual techniques to create compelling narratives. For my family, these books serve as a record of a close relative, ensuring that my grandfather’s incredible journeys are remembered.
