Historical Maps

Introduction

Challenge: The goal was to create a cohesive digital exhibition of pre-1900 Southeast Asian maps from various world-famous libraries. A major challenge was designing a single platform that could seamlessly access, display, and search maps from disparate databases, all with inconsistent metadata and varying formats. The platform needed to provide a seamless user experience while preserving the integrity of the original data.

Decision Making:

• Unifying Inconsistent Metadata: To handle inconsistent data from multiple sources, I designed a "library catalogue" card system. This kept the original source data separate while providing users with a another set of clear, consistent metadata curated by our own, preserving data integrity.
• Handling Multilingual Titles: I implemented a bilingual toggle button to address non-English map titles. This lets users switch between the original title and an English translation, making the content accessible without presenting unauthorised data as fact.
• From Archive to Storytelling: To make the collection more engaging, I introduced a story-mapping feature. This links maps to relevant historical sources and narratives, transforming static image into a powerful storytelling tool that provides context beyond plain data.

Impact: This platform enhances public and scholarly access to historical maps by providing robust search functionality, enriching the metadata, and introducing a compelling storytelling element. The new design not only streamlines the research process but also transforms a traditional archive into an interactive digital exhibition.

Target Audience

• University-level students
• Advanced level scholars
• Librarians
• General interested public

Process

Competitor Analysis: David Rumsey Map Collection, Harvard Imperiia Project

Data Gathering: online survey, interviews

Establishing Requirements: personas, use cases

Prototyping: low-fi prototype, hi-fi prototype

Evaluation: usability testing, focus groups

Colour Palette

A maroon palette is chosen which represents knowledge and history, as metaphor of encyclopedia book for early maps.

The Design

Interoperability

The platform facilitates dialogue between collections and creates various exploration pathways, allowing for a seamless experience across different institutions' map collections.

Searching

I designed an advanced search functionality that allows users to filter results by curated metadata and browse with a contemporary geolocation overlay, making it easier for users to find what they're looking for.

Unlocking

I enhanced map discoverability by creating a system to enrich and organise metadata. This included a "library catalogue" card for source data, a toggle for bilingual titles, and added details like descriptions and iconography, providing users with deeper context and improving overall accessibility.

Story-mapping

I created a story-mapping feature that links maps to relevant historical source materials, transforming the collection into a narrative-driven experience that engages both researchers and the general public.