FORGING A NATION
EXHIBITION DESIGN
USER RESEARCH
BRANDING/IDENTITY DESIGN
Forging a Nation: Stories of Conflict, Resilience, and Identity is an interactive storytelling exhibition that explores the lives of young adults living in Prishtina, Kosovo.
65%
Kosovo is Europe’s youngest country in both independence and population. Declaring independence in 2008, 65% of the country’s population is currently below the age of 35.
With the assistance of the Lumos Travel Award, this exhibition is the result of a four-month immersion into Pristina, Kosovo, where I researched the story developing amongst the young adults rebuilding this country after war.
RESEARCH THEMES
IDENTITY
What factors shape personal identity in a post-conflict society?
PROGRESS
How is progress perceived by those living through ongoing development?
FUTURE OUTLOOKS
What variables impact young Kosovo Albanians’ outlook on the future?
IDENTITY
Curating an interactive display of identity.
Leveraging the evolution of technology as an engagement strategy, visitors interact with the layered narrative of identity across Kosovo’s history. Interactive touchpoints include analog media, personal devices, projection mapping, and environmental motion graphics.
FUTURE OUTLOOKS
Engaging the target audience through spatial experience design.
Through the analysis of user needs, pain points, and opportunities, the exhibition is spatially designed to maximize engagement in areas with the greatest impact. The exhibition layout is intentionally structured to be functional, engaging, and to spark curiosity.
Who are the exhibition visitors?
Courtney, a student at Watkins College of Art, is a frequent visitor to the gallery space. She goes in there to pick up a call during class, department events, or to kill time between classes.
Travis, a young artist in the Metro Nashville area, is an alumnus of Belmont University and stays up to date on local gallery exhibitions in the area.
Avery and their parents are touring Watkins College of Art and Belmont University as a prospective student. They are interested in an art program but are not sure what major to choose.
PROGRESS
Translating research themes into a design system.
Reflecting the research findings, the design system translates the notion of the paradox of progress outlined in the research through typography, color, and material selection. The system reflects the pull between tradition and innovation when living in progress.
Times New Roman
Serving as the typographic anchor, Times New Roman establishes a clear narrative foundation and reflects the exhibition’s documentary tone. Its familiarity and neutrality provide visual balance and contrast to the evolving accent typefaces across each section.
Courier
Courier was utilized for titling and environmental graphics within “Stories of the Past,” referencing analogue technologies and early mechanical communication. The tactile quality reinforces the historical context of the section.
Neue Haas Grotesk
Selected for its modern clarity and digital familiarity, Neue Haas Grotesk reflects the immediacy of smartphone communication and the interconnected nature of the present.
Tenby Eight
Tenby Eight introduces a coding-inspired aesthetic that reflects digital innovation and the forward-thinking perspectives shaping the “Stories of the Future” section.
Balancing a high saturation color palette with neutral materials.
The color palette draws from the national flag to maintain cultural recognition while using vibrant, saturated tones to reflect the energy and forward-looking perspective of young adults. Color is applied strategically to reinforce hierarchy and highlight key moments.
