Spanglish Exhibition
Interactive Design/ Mockup Concept/ 2021
This project was a collaboration with Dr. Remy Attig from the Language Department and the Graphic Design Department at Bowling Green State University. The purpose of this project was to design an interactive exhibit validating the use of Spanglish, the mixing of English and Spanish. Spanglish often occurs when an individual is in an environment where both languages are used. If someone grows up learning more than 1 language, they might use words interchangeably.
Spanglish is often stigmatized because it mixes the two languages. Those opposed to it tell others to speak 1 language. However, Spanglish is a demonstration of the speaker’s comprehension of English and Spanish. The speaker switches between languages depending on what word best convey their thoughts. Neither language is inherently better than the other. Simply Spanglish is a tool to communicate.
process
Process
Creating Interactive Designs
Before we designed anything, as a class we brainstormed and looked at interactive designs. Since we wanted to engage with the audience, interactivity was integral to this project. We divided into 3 groups based on different interactions. One group experimented with light and shadows, another explored mosaics, and the final group played with the idea of moving panels. I worked with the panel team.
In the following session, we brought materials to further explore our ideas. I brought over small wooden blocks, miniature pallet boards, and a long wooden panel. As a group, we collaborated to create a loose mockup with the materials. I took photos of the mockups, later edited the photos and created digital mockups for my group. This helped illustrate our designs.
Research and Application
Dr. Attig provided the class with documents, books, and a presentation on Spanglish. This helped direct the class and narrowed the research process. Dr. Attig was interested in integrating Spanglish quotes into the exhibit. As a group, we decided each member should look at different aspects of Spanglish. One person quoted famous celebrities who use Spanglish. Another member quoted authors who write in Spanglish. I speak Spanish and thought it would be interesting to translate a Spanglish phrase into English and Spanish. I looked up definitions of Spanglish and found a quote,
“A veces, I forget what language I am speaking y entonces it comes out así”
English & Spanish Translations
Research and Application
Dr. Attig provided the class with documents, books, and a presentation on Spanglish. This helped direct the class and narrowed the research process. Dr. Attig was interested in integrating Spanglish quotes into the exhibit. As a group, we decided each member should look at different aspects of Spanglish. One person quoted famous celebrities who use Spanglish. Another member quoted authors who write in Spanglish. I speak Spanish and thought it would be interesting to translate a Spanglish phrase into English and Spanish. I looked up definitions of Spanglish and found a quote,
Free Mockups
Feel free to download the Photoshop files and create your own mockups.
