Designing with personal data. A parametric visual experience at TEDxGenova

As we dive deep into the so-called era of datafication, defined as quantification and subsequent transformation of our reality into data, we see a shift in the design discipline. Data can be used in different areas of the world of the project in order to define new meanings and highlight new perspectives on our world. Practically, they can define the value of a project by becoming parameters for algorithms whose output depends on the variation of the inputs that they receive. In this scenario, process is more important than outcome and users’ input and participation (in the form of data) is vital to the design outcome. The paper discusses a case study of a parametric visual experience developed to engage participants of TEDxGenova 2019 during the event. By answering a few questions about their personal beliefs and biographical information, participants were able to generate a unique version of the event’s key visual, a geometric mandala controlled by simple mathematical operations.