The Challenge
Covid-19, a disease resulting from SARS-CoV-2, surfaced in December 2019, and it remains a sensitive and relevant subject. Its effects have reverberated through numerous aspects of people's lives. One notably affected group is students, who've encountered substantial challenges due to the shift from in-person to online learning necessitated by the pandemic. As a student at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), I've undertaken a modest research project to examine the specific impact of Covid-19 on my fellow RIT students.
Goals
My primary objective of this project is to provide a platform for gaining insights into the experiences of RIT students as they navigate the challenges of maintaining their education amidst Covid-19 disruptions. Moreover, I aim to offer reassurance to fellow students who might be grappling with academic difficulties due to the evolving circumstances both within the university and the broader world.
Design Process
Background Research: Navigating the Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has persisted for approximately two years, prompting numerous colleges, including RIT, to implement measures in response to its peak. The majority of institutions shifted towards online or blended learning models, with RIT being no exception. In spring 2019, RIT required all freshmen to vacate their dorms as a Covid-19 precaution. Consequently, the class of 2023 experienced only one semester of in-person college. It's almost surreal to realize that a substantial part of our college journey has been through online learning. The pandemic has also affected professors, although there have been instances where their understanding appears limited, particularly considering the global circumstances. This prompted me to create a documentary capturing the sentiments of some RIT students.
User Research: Interviewing RIT Students
Engaging in user research, my objective centered around collecting insights through interviews while also gauging opinions on the subject. To ensure a holistic view, I interviewed four friends with varying majors, thus contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Crafting a questionnaire with an extensive range of questions and corresponding follow-ups, I aimed to delve deeper into their perspectives. Recognizing the value of their responses for my documentary, I made sure to capture recordings of their answers.
Visual Research: Finding Calmness Within Chaos
In terms of visual presentation, my intention is to infuse the video with a sense of playfulness and vibrancy, accentuated by well-placed pops of color. My goal is to prioritize the content itself over the aesthetics, channeling the viewer's attention directly to the subject matter. In light of this, I opted for a straightforward and minimalist approach to graphics, featuring geometric elements that complement the video's upbeat and engaging atmosphere.
Sketches: Visualizing Narrartives
I created illustrative depictions of each of the interviewees, as they preferred not to have their faces shown in the video. This provided me with an opportunity to venture beyond my usual boundaries and adopt a graphical style, deviating from the conventional documentary approach. I also designed graphics to complement the documentary's content. I outlined the envisioned flow of the documentary and compiled lists of visuals necessary to effectively convey the intended messages.
Graphic Assets: Illustrating the Narratives
In the end, I opted for a vector-style illustration characterized by color blocking. My intention was to strike a balance between offering a recognizable portrayal of each individual without delving into excessive detail. I carefully selected pastel shades that would harmonize without becoming overly distracting. When choosing a typeface, readability took precedence, considering the limited screen time for the text.
Final Video: Assembling the Documentary
With my assets in hand, I commenced the process of piecing together the documentary. To establish context, I provided background information about both COVID-19 and RIT, offering viewers a preliminary understanding. Careful organization was key as I strategically structured the questions and their delivery. Balancing interviewee insights and engaging facts, I ensured a dynamic rhythm that prevented listener fatigue from prolonged monologues.
Takeaways
Creating this project held a special significance for me, considering the widespread influence of COVID-19. Venturing into documentary-making was uncharted territory, allowing me to delve into the intricate process of weaving together a narrative, which proved immensely gratifying. The chance to display my motion graphics skills was particularly fulfilling, given that animation isn't a common aspect of my projects. Through this video, my intention is to provide a window into the life of a college student at RIT during the pandemic, sharing their experiences and insights.
