Data Visualization Project

Creating a visual story through data driven design

Role

Information Designer

Industry

Data Visualization

Duration

1 month

Project Overview

This project was part of my Visualizing Information course at Mount Royal University, where we were challenged to tell a compelling visual story about a meaningful location through data-driven design. I chose Prince Edward Island (PEI) and explored how climate change is impacting its coastline, ecosystems, and cultural landmarks.

The goal was to design two large-scale posters that work together as a cohesive narrative — integrating data visualization, visual metaphors, and storytelling to make the information both insightful and engaging.

Design Concept

Inspired by PEI’s maritime identity, I designed all of the data visualizations and illustrations used in this project. My approach emphasized both accuracy and accessibility, while also embedding cultural and ecological references specific to the island.

Color Palette — Maritime blues and PEI’s iconic red sands to ground the visual story.
Typography — Serif headings to convey tradition and authority, paired with approachable sans serif body text for readability.
Illustrations & Motifs — Coastal waves, lighthouses, dunes, and bird species were custom-designed to connect viewers emotionally with the issue.
Dual-Poster Narrative —
- Poster 1 introduces the effects of climate change on PEI’s coast: rising sea levels, warming ocean temperatures, and increased flooding hazards.
- Poster 2 highlights the vulnerabilities of infrastructure and species — from fisheries and lighthouses to critical bird habitats.

Together, the posters emphasize the wicked problem of climate change and call attention to the urgent need for protection and adaptation.

Project Overview

Design Concept

Color Palette — Maritime blues and PEI’s iconic red sands to ground the visual story.
Typography — Serif headings to convey tradition and authority, paired with approachable sans serif body text for readability.
Illustrations & Motifs — Coastal waves, lighthouses, dunes, and bird species were custom-designed to connect viewers emotionally with the issue.
Dual-Poster Narrative —
- Poster 1 introduces the effects of climate change on PEI’s coast: rising sea levels, warming ocean temperatures, and increased flooding hazards.
- Poster 2 highlights the vulnerabilities of infrastructure and species — from fisheries and lighthouses to critical bird habitats.

Together, the posters emphasize the wicked problem of climate change and call attention to the urgent need for protection and adaptation.

Key Visualizations

Coastal floodplain projections for 2050 and 2100
Rising ocean surface temperature trends (1982–2021)
Sea level rise impacts on high tides by 2050
Vulnerabilities of PEI’s lighthouses and cultural sites
Fisheries and aquaculture at climate risk under different emission scenarios

Final Posters

Viewed side by side

Final Posters

Viewed side by side

Outcomes

This project strengthened my skills in:

Visual storytelling: translating complex climate data into accessible narratives.
Systemic design: ensuring cohesion across multiple large-format posters.
Original visualization & illustration: creating all visual elements from scratch to ensure consistency and clarity.
Balancing ethos and pathos: combining credible data with emotional visual elements.

Ultimately, the posters aim to inspire awareness and protection — not only of Prince Edward Island’s coastline, but also of the cultural and ecological heritage that depends on it.