Ruth Zhao
CASE STUDIES
Internet Atlas
ROLE
Project Lead, Designer
TIME
2 weeks, Spring 2025
OVERVIEW
This work is an exploration of mapping user journeys through the space of the internet. How do we spend our time on the web, and where do we go?
01
PURPOSE
Our work aims to target the intersection of three principles: rethinking how we use the internet, rethinking how we share our data, and giving us joy in exploring the web again.
Our work aims to target the intersection of three principles: rethinking how we use the internet, rethinking how we share our data, and giving us joy in exploring the web again.
Data Autonomy
Self Reflection
How do I spend my time? Where do I go?
Have fun!
Personal Use
Play & Exploration
02
INSPIRATION
We drew from references of node and edge based mapping, specifically looking at how the nodes are grouped/clustered.
PRIMARY ELEMENTS
We considered what components of the graph were most important to view:
Clustering
Group based for categories
Paths
Organic mappings for user journeys
Density of path depends on how many people
Colour
Colours denote different categories of clusters like entertainment or productivity
Axes
2 axes of adjectives from a 10 word bank
03
MAP DESIGNS
Allowing the user to "graph" paths through the internet by setting 2 different axes of poetic adjectives
01. Label exploration
02. Straight edge exploration
03. Diagonal minimal exploration
Path select design
Node select design
04
EXECUTION
We began with a dataset of 7 individuals across 4 months, and ended with a semantic mapping of all their sites along the adjectives we defined.
PROTOTYPING
View more cases →