Description
Distance Unknown brings policy data into the public realm, transforming unread reports on migration issues into accessible, multisensory visualizations that catalyze real-world conversations that had the effect of changing US policy. Based on over 7,000 household migrant surveys collected by the World Food Programme across Central America and the Darien Gap, the project visualizes three drivers of migration—food insecurity, violence, and climate impact—through interactive maps and a handwoven tapestry made from “migrant money.” Presented to UN ambassadors and national officials, Distance Unknown moved executive discussions out of closed boardrooms into open, trust-building spaces where ambassadors engaged with the data through a new lens demonstrating how design can break down boundaries when sharing data for policy impact. This approach fostered dialogue, reduced confrontation, and helped mobilize resources. Combining physical artifacts, personal stories, and real-time exploration, Distance Unknown reframes migration as a shared regional challenge—one understood through empathy, not just policy.
