'Empathy through Data' looks into an alternate way of representing sensitive issues such as loneliness using data visualizations and narrative storytelling. The project depicts the loneliness faced by the people living in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic's first wave. My research examines how visualizations can foster empathy and help people relate to those suffering from loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Through this project, we can see how data visualizations can humanize the experience by using visual metaphors to curb Statistical numbing. The research amalgamates ‘affect theory’ with concepts of ‘arithmetic of emotions’ and ‘compassion fade’ to try and create a solution for issues related to how we respond to sensitive issues. The broader purpose of my project is to help other designers understand how to humanize the data representation and make it more effective in terms of the emotions that are being conveyed. The project helps them understand the approach that is needed to cater to similar sensitive issues.

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This project is a part of the Digital Futures Grad Show 2021. It was created under the guidance of Isabel Meirelles and Adam Tindale in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Design in Digital Futures degree at OCAD University.