Visual perception in Rett syndrome a cartographic exploration
Macro and Micro – two video maps that invite the viewer to experience the realm of visual perception of people diagnosed with Rett syndrome.
This cartography experiment constitutes a significant stage in the design process of Transverse, a project focused on people with severe mental or physical disabilities which was inspired by Rett syndrome, a severe neurological disorder that affects motor, cognitive and speech functions (among others). Since Transverse’s key feature is the creation of a dialogic environment, it is crucial to be familiar with the myriad of aspects that define the perceptional experience of people diagnosed with Rett syndrome.
Therefore, Macro and Micro are an exercice on imagining ourselves in someone else’s shoes. What do they see, how do they see it, what do they feel about what they see? How can visual perception experience be mapped?
Macro maps the experience during the syndrome’s four-stage evolution process, whereas Micro zooms in on one of the evolution stages.
The concept that guided this cartographic process is a fundamental aspect of Rett syndrome: rhythm. People diagnosed with Rett syndrome are described as rhythmic – on the one hand, due to their particular pace and body movements; on the other hand, because they are very drawn to music and rhythm.
That is why both maps were made as videos: in order to better convey rhythm and the complexity of the syndrome’s symptoms. Instead of seeing a static map, where all the information is presented at once, a video map presents fleeting information that leaves singular impressions.
Design Process
Conceptual image
1/5
Bibliographic and field research on Rett syndrome led to the production of a conceptual image – the synthesis of all information acquired during this process – which is the foundation of the cartographic experiment.
This image is composed of quotes from books on Rett syndrome, and is a graphic translation of rhythm.
Sketches and storyboard
2/5
Instead of depicting the visual perception experience through figurative graphics, both maps are monochromatic and based on textual information. The use of black, white and grey only brings every element to the same optical level, making it possible for them to blend in one another or stand out.
As for the textual approach, it enables the viewer to create his own mental picture of the words he sees, which makes the experience even more subjective and personal. Words become territories, events or sensations.
Typography
3/5
As for the typography, the turbulent and noisy font reinforces the tension between feelings and action. The font’s echoing shapes translate an in-between, where there’s neither silence nor gesture.
Macro
4/5
The key element of this map is the distinction between one’s outside world and one’s inner world, represented by the words dehors (outside) and dedans (inside). This division of perceptional experience into two worlds reflects the communication issues of people diagnosed with Rett syndrome: the gap between the few gestures/actions and the multitude of feelings and thoughts that cannot be expressed. The lines that connect both words depict the moments that one is able to express oneself, when he or she is seen, heard and understood.
Micro
5/5
This map deepens the sense of alterity – the experience of the other. It approaches a trait of visual perception in Rett syndrome: the peripheral area of the visual field is more prominent than the center. Hence darker elements concentrate on both edges, while the lighter, more distant elements appear on the center.
Micro also presents some significant symptoms related to the disorder, such as stereotyped behavior, apraxia, acute pain and weariness – and it shows how those symptoms influence visual perception. Whenever a symptom arises, it takes over most of the screen and dominates the experience.