Antisemitism Uncovered
Antisemitism, the deeply rooted prejudice against Jews, has seen an enduring persistence of myths and stereotypes that have perpetuated through time. Recognizing the need to address and dispel these fallacies, the ADL initiated the "Antisemitism Uncovered" project.
Design, Layout, Animation, Print.
Leading the Design for ADL's Antisemitism Uncovered
Entrusted with the monumental task, I stepped up to spearhead the creative endeavor — from delving deep into historical archives to curating design and curating web animations.
In an undertaking of this magnitude, involving collaboration with hundreds across the organization, cohesion and a strong design focus were imperative. The insights shared by ADL's CEO were enlightening; the allegory of certain antisemitic myths acting as pillars that have incessantly inflicted harm upon the Jewish community struck a chord. This metaphor informed the project's design ethos, symbolizing each myth as a pillar — a decision that was pivotal for the book's cover and the website's (developed by Friendly) tone and user experience.
Venturing into the historical annals of antisemitic propaganda was illuminating. The disturbing imagery encountered provided a unique opportunity to breathe life into these grim realities via animations. These subsequently became the linchpin of Antisemitism Uncovered's visual identity.
The creation of these animated visuals – spanning pictures, illustrations, and paintings – commenced with a meticulous process of tracing each individual layer and asset. Utilizing tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator, these traced layers were then segregated to ensure they stood distinct from each other. Post this separation, any gaps present within these layers were filled diligently, ensuring a smooth, seamless appearance. Finally, with the foundational elements ready, each layer was animated individually using After Effects, resulting in a dynamic and layered motion graphic. This technique breathed life into static images, creating a captivating animated experience.
Interactive Timeline
Another key aspect of the project was an interactive timeline — a comprehensive reservoir of critical historical events. Opting for a user-centric approach, the design revolved around a chronological and geographical perspective.
To enhance user navigation, datasets were compartmentalized into decades. The user interface design, adopting classic ADL blue and the Titillium font, prioritized simplicity, ensuring visitors could quickly grasp the data's essence. A left-hand "Piano Key" navigation allowed for easy decade selection, and a robust filtering system on the right permitted users to delve into specific event categories. The subsequent design layers, such as the card-based timeline, detailed card selection, curated tours, and a specialized card timeline, furnished users with a holistic understanding of the subject matter.
Effective data visualization is not about inundating the audience with information but presenting complex datasets in an easily digestible manner. With this philosophy, the design was structured to avoid cognitive overload, providing users a seamless and educational experience.
Today, Antisemitism Uncovered stands as a beacon in ADL's arsenal for public relations, activism, and educational initiatives. It's an embodiment of what design, when done right, can achieve — informing, educating, and enlightening. Receiving a nomination for the Webby Award in 2021 was an honor, but its lasting impact and the role it plays in combatting prejudice are what truly fills me with pride.
