Short answer

Designers creating visual representations of complex phenomena must prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and ethical considerations over potentially biased or historically loaded visual tropes.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Mobilities (2019)
Method: Iconological dissection and critical analysis of cartographic representations.
Evidence: Strong effect

Maps depicting migration, particularly those from official agencies, often employ visual tropes that align with historical propaganda, distorting the phenomenon rather than objectively representing it. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Mobilities. Using Iconological dissection and critical analysis of cartographic representations., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers creating visual representations of complex phenomena must prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and ethical considerations over potentially biased or historically loaded visual tropes.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Propaganda cartography distorts migration flows, undermining objective design representation

Mobilities · 2019

Key Findings

01Migration maps, exemplified by Frontex's work, are not neutral scientific depictions but rather crude distortions of migratory phenomena.
02These cartographies align with a xenophobic tradition of propaganda cartography.
03The visual language used confronts contemporary geographical scholarship and objective representation.

Application

Design takeaway

Designers creating visual representations of complex phenomena must prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and ethical considerations over potentially biased or historically loaded visual tropes.

How to apply

When designing infographics or maps for complex social issues, actively research and avoid visual clichés associated with propaganda or biased historical representations. Seek diverse perspectives and expert consultation.

Project actions

01When creating maps for your project, think about who might see them and how they might interpret the visual choices you make.
02Consider if your map design could accidentally reinforce stereotypes or biases.

Method & Evidence

AimTo analyze the visual language and underlying message of migration maps, specifically those produced by official agencies, and to critique their alignment with propaganda traditions versus scientific representation.

MethodIconological dissection and critical analysis of cartographic representations.

ProcedureThe study dissects the cartography of undocumented migration, using a map by Frontex (the EU's border agency) as a case study, to identify visual elements and interpret their meaning in the context of propaganda and scientific geography.

ContextCartography of migration, specifically focusing on maps of undocumented migration produced by official agencies.

Variables

IVVisual elements and design choices in migration maps (e.g., arrow style, color palette, data representation).

DVPerception of the migration phenomenon by the audience (e.g., perceived threat, scale, nature of movement).

CVThe underlying migration data being represented.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a critical lens for analyzing visual communication beyond its surface appearance.
+Emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of designers in representing sensitive topics.

Limitations

The interpretation of 'propaganda' can be subjective. The specific context of the Frontex map might not apply to all migration mapping scenarios.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the 'propaganda' label is subjective and depends on the iconological interpretation. Reliability could be improved by having multiple analysts dissect the maps.

Think critically

To what extent is any visual representation of a complex social issue inherently subjective, and how can designers mitigate this subjectivity to achieve greater objectivity?

Design Principles

"Objective representation in design requires a critical awareness of historical visual biases and a commitment to accurate, evidence-based visual communication."

This challenges designers to consider the ethical implications of visual representation. The 'design' of a map, even if seemingly objective, can carry significant bias and influence public perception, mirroring the historical use of propaganda in design.

What This Means for Your Design

Maps that show migration routes can sometimes be designed to look scary or misleading, like old propaganda posters, instead of showing the real picture.

How to use in your project

1.Use this insight to justify your design choices if you are creating a visual representation of data or a complex issue, emphasizing your commitment to objective and ethical design.
2.Analyze existing visual communication in your chosen field for potential biases or propaganda elements.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The visual representation of complex social phenomena, such as migration, carries significant ethical weight. As demonstrated by the analysis of Frontex's migration maps, cartographic design can inadvertently perpetuate harmful stereotypes and align with propaganda traditions rather than providing objective, scholarly depictions. This highlights the designer's responsibility to critically examine visual language, ensuring that design choices promote accurate understanding and avoid contributing to misinformation or xenophobia.

Source

Mobilities

The migration map trap. On the invasion arrows in the cartography of migration

journal · 2019

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about propaganda cartography distorts migration flows, undermining objective design representation?: Designers creating visual representations of complex phenomena must prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and ethical considerations over potentially biased or historically loaded visual tropes. Evidence: Mobilities (2019).
Why does "Propaganda cartography distorts migration flows, undermining objective design representation" matter for design?: This challenges designers to consider the ethical implications of visual representation. The 'design' of a map, even if seemingly objective, can carry significant bias and influence public perception, mirroring the historical use of propaganda in design.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers creating visual representations of complex phenomena must prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and ethical considerations over potentially biased or historically loaded visual tropes.
What were the main findings?: Migration maps, exemplified by Frontex's work, are not neutral scientific depictions but rather crude distortions of migratory phenomena.. These cartographies align with a xenophobic tradition of propaganda cartography.. The visual language used confronts contemporary geographical scholarship and objective representation.
What research method was used?: Iconological dissection and critical analysis of cartographic representations..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from Mobilities.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing infographics or maps for complex social issues, actively research and avoid visual clichés associated with propaganda or biased historical representations. Seek diverse perspectives and expert consultation.
What are the limitations?: The study focuses on a specific agency's map, and the findings may not be universally applicable to all migration cartography.