Welcome to my portfolio! My name is Sarah and I am exploring ways to use data to contribute to a kinder and more sustainable world. If you’d like to get to know me better, take a look at my about me page.

Portfolio: Sarah E Jeong

Designing for public participation


This project was inspired by my years as a government policy analyst. I wanted to explore how government consultation processes could be more accessible for people who are underrepresented in policy decisions. I interviewed government officials across New Zealand and Singapore to find ways to make complex, written policies more interesting and transparent. I used these insights to prototype alternatives to a recent waste policy consultation document, which consisted of 160 pages of mostly written text. I reworded technical elements in the form of graphic icons, diagrams, and interactive maps and exercises. My focus group was people who speak English as a second language, and I found 20 participants to survey these alternatives. The results showed increased engagement and understanding from especially simple graphics. The interactive components were fun but sometimes challenging for users, especially for those who participated on their phones. Guidance by civic designer Catherine D’Ignazio.
Based on conversations with civic designers across Singapore and New Zealand, I created this framework of factors that enable members of the public to give their opinions to the government. 
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Using geolocated data of the 679 proposed recycling drop-off points, I created an interactive map that allows participants to type their address and see where the nearest new drop-off point will be. Some found this cool; others found it difficult to access on small phone screens. While this prototype might help with language barriers, it could be less effective for those who cannot afford a computer or have mobility barriers. 
I translated a technical explanation of the financial impacts of new recycling policies into this infograph.
I created an icon (right) to facilitate understanding of the original text from the waste policy document (left), and asked participants how much they preferred each version, then tested them on information retention. 
The types of plastics eligible for the scheme were listed in one long paragraph. I turned examples into icons for easy comparability. 


Redlining and Lead Water Pipes


My team analyzed geospatial data to assess whether historically “redlined” neighborhoods in Boston (segregation by income) correlated with existing lead water pipes in homes. This data was locked away in long charts, so we used ArcGIS visualization tools to help residents quickly see whether their homes contain lead pipes.  


For full project, see: Redlining and Lead Water Pipes



Migration factors in Central America


Using migration survey data from the World Food Program, I identified statistically significant factors that correlate with intentions to migrate from Northern Triangle countries in Central America. I wanted to highlight and humanize the histories of individuals who choose to migrate, so included quotes and hand-drawn portraits to highlight immigrant stories.


Individual stories that coincide with frequent factors associated with migration from Honduras, with faces drawn from photos of the storytellers.
Statistical analysis depicting significant factors correlating with intentions to migrate.

Urban design


My design team assessed a cluster of blocks along Memorial Drive outside of Boston and designed blocks that emphasized affordable housing and all necessary services and amenities within a 15 minute walk.


I overlaid the current site with proposed changes.
I produced images of how the new buildings could look with mixed-use residential and commercial floors. 
I depicted life between buildings using Photoshop and Rhino 3d modelling. 

Mapping


I love creating maps. Much of today’s data exists exclusively in geospatial files. They can also be beautiful sources of inspiration for art. The following is a collection of some of my maps.


This map identifies the sewershed most at risk of pollution from combined sewer overflows in the Bronx, specifically identifying laundromats and dry cleaners as sources of pollution.
I collected data from Google Maps API on locations of cheap food options and overlaid these points onto block groups categorized by average household income to bring attention to the dearth of affordable food options in low-income places. 

Art


My art projects usually begin with an important event in a loved one’s life. A friend marries, a parent dies, loved ones move away - significant moments need to be commemorated, and often spark a curiousity to explore a new medium.

Maps of special places (geospatial mapping, laser cutting, recycled wood)
Totoro kimchi fermenting crock (woodfired clay) 
Wedding cookbooks: I have made several cookbooks for couples by compiling recipes from their guests into a beautiful cookbook (using Adobe Indesign) 
Animal runs: I map running routes that form critters (Strava)
Skyline sketches: bestie in Hong Kong
Gingerbread village: homemade gingerbread cookies, using 12 kgs of flour and melted lollipop windows