ClimateThreads was born from the need to connect and empower individuals passionate about climate action. Our platform serves as a bridge between environmental awareness and community engagement, translating complex data into accessible, meaningful insights. Developed at the University of Colorado Boulder's ATLAS Institute, this project seeks to map air quality inequities in the Denver-Aurora region through an interactive website and textile visualization. Air quality significantly impacts public health, with long-term exposure to pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide linked to severe respiratory conditions like pediatric asthma. These risks disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income populations, reflecting deep-rooted environmental inequities shaped by racial and socioeconomic factors. In the Denver-Aurora Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which includes Boulder, Denver, and Greeley. By leveraging TEMPO satellite emissions data and demographic insights from the American Community Survey, ClimateThreads identifies spatial patterns in air pollution and its relationship to social demographics. Through multimedia and algorithmically designed textiles, the project transforms data into an accessible, tactile format, fostering emotional engagement and empowering residents, urban planners, and policymakers to advocate for equitable environmental policies.
Leverage TEMPO satellite emissions data and demographic insights from the American Community Survey to identify spatial patterns in air quality and their relationship to social demographics. Highlight disparities in pollutant exposure, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by environmental inequities.
Develop an engaging, user-friendly website that visualizes air quality data by census tract, allowing users to explore pollution trends, demographic correlations, and geographic inequities in the Denver-Aurora Combined Statistical Area (CSA).
Create a physical textile-based visualization that transforms complex air quality data into a tangible medium, using algorithmically designed patterns to make invisible disparities visible and tactile. This approach emphasizes anomalies in air quality and fosters emotional engagement.
Design a cohesive experience that integrates digital and physical representations, using a unified color palette, QR codes, and links to connect the textile to the online platform. This approach ensures accessibility for diverse audiences across varying levels of digital literacy and access.
Develops the project's branding in Figma, ensuring accessibility and user-friendliness. Works closely with the team to create wireframes, prototypes, and finalize design assets, such as color palettes and icons, for a cohesive digital experience. Assists with textile design, contributing to the development of patterns and visual elements that link the textile with the digital components.
Oversees all coding for the interactive website, focusing on implementing data visualizations and ensuring smooth functionality. Works on integrating air quality and demographic data, building features like interactive maps, and collaborates with Caitlin to bring the Figma designs to life.
Leads the textile creation process, from developing patterns based on data insights to knitting the final pieces. Translates digital data patterns into textile motifs, coordinates material selection, and ensures the textile aligns visually with the website's aesthetic. Manages project timelines, task coordination, and arranges meetings.
Leads website development, data visualizations for textile-related content, ensuring usability and cohesive storytelling. Collaborates with Sara on user experience and coding solutions while providing expertise in environmental data interpretation. Contributes to content on environmental impacts for both digital and textile components, integrating technical and design strategies to deliver clear and impactful messaging.