Water in the Sonoran Desert
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Description:
My master's thesis addressed the Sonoran Desert's water crisis through a pop-up exhibit combining storytelling, interactivity, and immersive media. Inspired by my upbringing near Saguaro National Park and the Los Morteros Conservation Area Project, it aimed to emotionally engage visitors and promote water conservation.
Problem Statement:
The Sonoran Desert faces an ongoing water crisis due to historical droughts, population growth, and overuse of limited water resources. These factors and inadequate conservation efforts threaten the region's environmental and socio-economic stability. Without legislative support and sustainable practices, cities like Phoenix and Tucson may face dire consequences.
What is my project?
My project addresses Arizona's water crisis through interactive and immersive storytelling to raise awareness and inspire action. It features three pop-up exhibits designed to connect audiences emotionally to water issues, making conservation relatable and urgent. As part of an iterative design process, these exhibits incorporated audience feedback after each one to refine their impact. Using storytelling and immersive media, they highlighted the crisis’s impact, encouraged dialogue, and promoted advocacy through postcards directed to policymakers.
Digital Interaction:
I developed the interactive digital components using TouchDesigner, which included three features: an audio-reactive desert scene, a video-feedback ripple effect symbolizing personal impact, and an introductory animation narrating Arizona's water story. These elements visually and interactively engage the audience, emphasizing the significance of collective and individual actions in water conservation.
Visual Identity:
The visual identity of the project was designed to capture the vibrancy and majesty of the Sonoran Desert, emphasizing its transformation during rain. Bold colors on a black background created striking, detailed visuals that drew attention and connected audiences emotionally to the desert's unique beauty.
Encouraging Action:
Postcards, featuring uncolored illustrations of the Sonoran Desert, were included to foster audience participation. Attendees were encouraged to color and write on the postcards, addressing them to Arizona policymakers. The completed postcards were collected and later sent to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, adding a personal touch, connecting participants to the issue, and promoting civic engagement.
