2023 National High School Design Competition

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Winner
Eleanor Lewis, grade 12 Design and Architecture Senior High, Miami, FL Teacher: Eric Hankin I am visualizing the effects of climate change on plant life in South Florida. I designed the Plant Resilient Project’s website. It uses satellite data tracking heat islands and saltwater intrusion. Users can map where non-heat tolerant or saltwater tolerant plants...
Our design visualizes the experiences of disabled veterans boarding airplanes. We used data from a New York Times article showing the hardships of Charles Brown, a paralyzed veteran. We created a customer journey map showing emotions of this veteran’s experiences when boarding an airplane. With this data visualization, we wanted to support Paralyzed Veterans of America. We represented each emotion that a disabled veteran may feel while boarding an airplane with a symbol. We analyzed each task and action during this process. We then created a pattern of overlapping emotions. This pattern becomes a sequence. Our infographic will help airplane users be more attentive and thoughtful toward all disabled fliers. Users can access this infographic through pamphlets or booklets placed in airplane seats.
Finalist
Yoona Lee, grade 11, St. Paul’s School, Concord, NH, and Yoojung Shin, grade 10, Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA Our design visualizes the experiences of disabled veterans boarding airplanes. We used data from a New York Times article showing the hardships of Charles Brown, a paralyzed veteran. We created a customer journey map showing emotions...
My data visualization covers the intersectionality of gender and race and specifically the lack of representation of Black women in the arts. I used data from the 2022 Burns Halperin Report. Racism and sexism still exist and individuals who experience both are hindered from making progress in this field. Making people aware of intersectionality could help change it. My design is a painted mural and key located in an art museum. Users can look from afar to see trends over time or walk closer. Each face represents 1,000 artworks. Green is for women, orange for Black Americans, pink for Black American women, and smiley faces for artists that are not women or Black Americans. This design educates artists and people interested in art on intersectionality. It would be displayed in art museums, so a user can experience my design by visiting a museum and observing. It will encourage people to talk about intersectionality, racism, and sexism today.
Finalist
Rori Stanford, grade 12 Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ Teacher: Scott Lang My data visualization covers the intersectionality of gender and race and specifically the lack of representation of Black women in the arts. I used data from the 2022 Burns Halperin Report. Racism and sexism still exist and individuals who experience both are hindered...
My design brings awareness to the loneliness and isolation epidemic that seniors face. It highlights a story that represents millions of seniors who lack friendship and companionship. The 4D rendering is comprised of two data sets. Data 1 shows the amount of time one spends with others throughout a lifetime from Our World in Data. Data 2 is a music visualization from a spectrogram extracted from the song “Married Life” by Michael Giacchino. I used color, amplitude, and time to connect Data 2 to Data 1 in my design. The color spectrum correlates to emotions of loneliness throughout one’s lifetime. The blues and purples represent feelings of loneliness and isolation in seniors. My design brings seniors together, providing them with the comfort that they are not alone in these feelings. It also inspires compassion and empathy in younger generations. This will raise awareness and motivate young people to connect with seniors.
Honorable Mention
Aviya Afra, grade 11 Grauer School, Encinitas, CA My design brings awareness to the loneliness and isolation epidemic that seniors face. It highlights a story that represents millions of seniors who lack friendship and companionship. The 4D rendering is comprised of two data sets. Data 1 shows the amount of time one spends with others...
Gun violence is becoming more common. Anyone could fall victim to having their lives cut short by these tragic incidents. My design is an app called “Arm Us With Awareness” that addresses gun violence in the United States. It highlights important statistics, such as shooter intent and demographics of victims. I researched gun violence statistics in the United States through the Gun Violence Archive. I also used data from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My app displays different data visualizations of gun violence. I utilized a cohesive color palette and simple design. I used common symbols (gun pictograph, different people, identifying icons) to show the impact of gun violence on communities. Users can download the app to get updates and interactive graphics on gun violence. The statistics and interactive elements raise awareness on gun violence among communities.
Honorable Mention
Sarah Basil, grade 12 Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ Teacher: Scott Lang Gun violence is becoming more common. Anyone could fall victim to having their lives cut short by these tragic incidents. My design is an app called “Arm Us With Awareness” that addresses gun violence in the United States. It highlights important statistics, such...
My design shows which states have mandated free menstrual products in schools. A study found that 80% of menstruating teens said they have missed class time because they did not have access to period products. One’s education should not be interrupted because there is no access to necessary health products. I found the data I used from the Alliance for Period Supplies. Data can also be gathered from each state’s legislation. I created a design that was visually striking to catch the attention of viewers. I did this by recreating a shocking material in my work: blood. An important part of my design is that the blood looks realistic and striking, while still normalizing period blood. Period poverty is a global issue that everyone, regardless of whether they menstruate, should care about. Non-menstruators do not face issues like these every day, so it is my goal to bring this issue to everyone. To do this I will display my piece in communal places.
Honorable Mention
Vera Giraudo, grade 10 Avenues The World School, New York, NY Teacher: Gretel Schwartzott My design shows which states have mandated free menstrual products in schools. A study found that 80% of menstruating teens said they have missed class time because they did not have access to period products. One’s education should not be interrupted...
We are presenting data on social determinants of health (SDOH)— economic stability, physical environment, education, food access, community, and health care—in the context of a single city, over five decades. We will show audiences the impact of SDOH in a community. SDOH affect the conditions of every citizen with different outcomes and risks based on which SDOH are prioritized. We are primarily using data from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The game layout of City Central allows players to act as a supervisor of city development and choose which SDOH to prioritize. The game layout will include a street view and map. An inventory will show what institutions are established. Pop-ups will show the city’s score based on SDOH metrics every five years. City Central will be an easily available online game with single and multiplayer options. Our design would educate audiences in an accessible way about the impacts SDOH have on even small communities. It shows local and national audiences how non-medical factors impact the health of individuals and communities and should be valued.
Honorable Mention
Grace Guo, grade 11, and Jane Martens, grade 11 Carmel High School, Carmel, IN We are presenting data on social determinants of health (SDOH)— economic stability, physical environment, education, food access, community, and health care—in the context of a single city, over five decades. We will show audiences the impact of SDOH in a community....
I am presenting data on the lack of condom usage and other birth control by students. I want to show students why birth control is so important by discussing the impacts of not using condoms, regardless of sexual orientation. This will help teenagers who lack proper sexual education. I found my data from news articles discussing how teenage birth control usage has dropped in recent years. I also looked at official government websites, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, that explain the importance of birth control. My design will include a pie chart on the packaging of condoms to show the consequences when they are not always used. This will entice students to scan the QR on the other side. It will share data and raise awareness that lack of condom usage can lead to an increase in STDs and pregnancy. A map will show locations offering birth control and testing. These condoms would be distributed to local high schools. The map can be expanded to other counties and states.
Honorable Mention
Amelia Kiefer, grade 12 Design and Architecture Senior High, Miami, FL Teacher: Eric Hankin I am presenting data on the lack of condom usage and other birth control by students. I want to show students why birth control is so important by discussing the impacts of not using condoms, regardless of sexual orientation. This will...
In 2020, 11,654 Americans died in alcohol-related driving accidents, which makes up 30% of all driving fatalities. Despite this problematic statistic, 53.5% of people believe that they are capable of driving after drinking. To decrease alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, people must understand the true horrors of drunk driving. The data I am visualizing is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics of motor vehicle crashes in 2020. The dataset includes an analysis of how behavioral factors, such as alcohol-impaired driving, affect fatality trends. Additionally, I used the American Addiction Centers’ website to learn about the attitudes and habits of drunk drivers. “1/11654” is a colorful public art installation that brings awareness to the risks of alcohol-impaired driving. This eye-catching design depicts each alcohol-impaired driving fatality as a 1/64 scale car, modified to reflect a post-collision car. The sculpture is accompanied by a plaque that says, “Don’t be 1/11654. Drive sober.” Through awareness, my design will help decrease the amount of people killed by alcohol-impaired driving. As the sculpture can be set in most public areas, it could make a worldwide difference.
Honorable Mention
Tiffany Kurniawan, grade 9 Granada Hills Charter High School, Granada Hills, CA Teacher: Jackie Ying In 2020, 11,654 Americans died in alcohol-related driving accidents, which makes up 30% of all driving fatalities. Despite this problematic statistic, 53.5% of people believe that they are capable of driving after drinking. To decrease alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, people must...