This project explores the M+ Sigg Collection, one of the largest contemporary Chinese art collections through multiple perspectives and dimensions. Showcasing selected paintings, sculptures, videos, and installation works. Highlighting the development of artists, art movements, and socio political events across four decades, the experience is built around a central timeline. Using multiple viewing angles and categorization approaches, users are invited to travel into the stream of hundreds of artworks.
The initial approach to the problem has broken down the experience into multiple distinct scenes. The development of the project has turned the disjointed journeys into a more coherent, singular, yet dynamic browsing experience.
Instead of constructing the graphical blueprint, we began by building a virtual curator's table in the 3D scene to hold the different information. We imagined how a user could approach the information as if they're interacting with objects on a physical plane. This foundation has allowed us to experiment with the various ways to interact with the information. One of the key principal was to ensure a very similar experience is shared across desktop and mobile. To achieve this, the overall interface has been reduced and most of the interactions involve a touch/drag gesture with the content itself, mirroring the physical experience.
We used javascript from early design, mock ups, to production development. D3.js for data analysis and visualization. Three.js to manipulate the 3D scene.
A constant open dialogue between the client and us have allowed the project to develop in an organic manner. Being able to listen and engage in conversations allowed us to unpack the core values and message from the client. With an aligned vision and trust, we were able to experiment while retaining the right balance along the way.
We rely on remote engagement and communication more than ever under this new climate. While digital experiences do not replace physical experiences, they have naturally become an alternative to many tangible interactions.
