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Minor Planet Names

2020-2021

Visualization design

Visualization development
Interaction development

Asteroids are the only objects in space that are named by their discoverers. Minor Planet Names is an interactive data storytelling site that explores data from the Minor Planet Center, coded using D3.js and p5.js. The site is co-created with designer Zhang Yuan.

Minor Planet Names

2020-2021

Visualization design

Data analysis
Visualization development

Asteroids are the only objects in space that are named by their discoverers. Minor Planet Names is an interactive data storytelling site that explores data from the Minor Planet Center, coded using D3.js and p5.js. The site is co-created with designer Zhang Yuan.

Guided data storytelling is used, but like a safari, users can roam around to find stories they are curious about.

Each little dot, representing an asteroid name, is spotted by the user, with interaction “telescoping” the size larger. Users can find stories behind asteroid names across time and location. 

Each little dot, representing an asteroid name, is spotted by the user, with interaction “telescoping” the size larger. Users can find stories behind asteroid names across time and location. 

Guided data storytelling is used, but like a safari, users can roam around to find stories they are curious about.

Infodesign Studio developed interaction with javascript and D3 that further supported users to discover . The original project won Bronze at the Chinaviz awards. Plans are in line to further expand the project to include 3D views and more experimental visualization.

Fascinating stories can be found in public data, if the right methods are used. In our exploration of data from the International Astronomical Union, we realized the potential of interactive data storytelling. Contact us to experience.  

Interaction allows for progressive detailed inspection of layers and elements of 3D objects, while keeping the whole object in perspective.

Fascinating stories can be found in public data, if the right methods are used. In our exploration of data from the International Astronomical Union, we realized the potential of interactive data storytelling. Contact us to experience.