From 220V To 110V
Conceptual Editorial & Interactive Web Design
Inspired by the electricity adapter, I explored the concept of “translation and interpretation” through content, layout, and form in both an editorial design and an interactive website.
Project Type
Personal Project
Services
Editorial Design & Creative Coding
Industries
Experimental Design
Date
Oct-Nov 2024
Moving from Seoul to New York, translation and interpretation became woven into every facet of my life. Yet, it extended beyond the words of a language. I found myself navigating the subtleties of color meanings, adapting to different measurement systems, and even adjusting the electricity that powered my day. One of the simplest yet most essential items in my life in NYC has been the adapters, to translate the 220v of home to the 110v of here. This experience has deeply influenced me, shaping a lens through which I view the world: how the same form can carry entirely different interpretations. With this work, I hope to explore and celebrate those moments of translating across contexts, where subtle shifts lead to new meanings.
Part I, Physical Form
This editorial explores how the meanings of identical words, colors, and optical illusion imagery can shift based on perspective and context. I conveyed this concept not only through content but also through the physical form and layout of the book. In the central section, each spread expands to A4 size, contrasting with the rest of the book, where spreads are designed to fit within U.S. letter dimensions. This structural variation reflects the shifting nature of meaning. For the layouts, I adjusted the number of columns according to how many interpretations a word carried, assigning different typefaces to each meaning. This required careful experimentation with font sizes and x-heights to ensure that all text aligned to a consistent baseline grid across columns, regardless of typeface differences.
Part II, Digital Form
This interactive website further connects with the book's theme by incorporating columns and subtly varied typefaces to highlight the parallel yet distinct meanings of a single form. Where the book emphasized the nuances of spoken language, this digital exploration shifts focus to the realm of non-verbal communication— hand gestures and their different interpretations across cultures.
This project does not seek to define which interpretations are "right" or "wrong." Instead, it serves as a celebration of diversity, encouraging us to explore, embrace, and respect the rich tapestry of cultural nuances. I hope my work sparks curiosity and fosters an appreciation for the complexity of human expression, both spoken and unspoken.