New-Blooming-Orchids

Hi, I’m Annie! →

I’m a narrative-driven designer specialized in data visualization and branding.
I turn complex information into stories that are clear, engaging, and visually bold.

BLOOMING ORCHIDACEAES
Visualizing the Smithsonian Gardens Orchids Collection

Live Site Github

ROLEDesign and Development
A Smithsonian Institute Partnership
Guided by Daniel Sauter

DURATION 4 Months (Sep-Dec 2024)
3 Iterative Revisions

TOOLSJavascript, D3.js, Smithsonian API, Github, HTML/CSS, Python

SKILLSGenerous Interface, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Normalization, Information Architecture

PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection contains over 3,000 records, but like many institutional datasets, its existing interface prioritizes taxonomic search over public exploration—making it difficult for non-experts to browse, learn, or form meaningful connections.

This project reimagines how institutional data can be experienced by the public. Starting from the perspective of a curious, non-expert visitor, I transformed fragmented Open Access records into an exploratory generous interface that invites discovery, learning, and wonder.

THE CHALLENGE

Large, Unfamiliar DatasetsSmithsonian Open Access interfaces are built around taxonomic search, making exploration difficult for non-experts who don’t know the right terms.

Fragmented RecordsIndividual records show detail, but relationships—like bloom cycles, pollinators, and fragrance—only emerge when viewed across the collection.

DESIGN APPROACH

From Search
to Generous InterfaceInstead of designing another search bar, I built a generous interface—a product that invites exploration through rich, browsable visuals. For audiences with little prior knowledge, discovery comes not from knowing what to ask, but from being surprised along the way.

Did you know some orchids only release fragrance at night to lure nocturnal pollinators? ⁽¹⁾Others mimic the smell of rotting meat ⁽²⁾ to attract flies. And some can grow taller than a person. ⁽³⁾ The visualization enables exploratory discovery, making patterns in fragrance, pollinators, and scale visible across thousands of orchid records.

SKETCHES AND ITERATIONS

From Data to DiscoveryNoticing fields like on_exhibit made me wonder when visitors can see different orchids, while fragrance notes such as “jasmine (at night)” prompted questions about why orchids release scent—leading to Iteration II’s exploration of fragrance and pollinators.

Rather than starting with a fixed visualization or research question, this project was inspired by interesting data points.

Iteration I:
Visualizing Bloom TimeThis visualization maps blooming orchids across a northern hemisphere layout. Visitors can toggle between life forms, explore details on hover, and save orchids to a personal list. This is designed as a tool for visitors to explore the different kinds of orchids they would be able to see at different times.

Live Site

Process

→ The semi-circle represents the northern hemisphere, matching the dataset’s seasonal context.

→ Life forms are shown through textures on the globe so visitors can quickly understand whether orchids grow on plants, soil, or rocks.

Iteration II:
Visualizing FragranceThis iteration explores fragrance as an ecological signal, shifting focus from when orchids bloom to why they smell the way they do. While initial research looked at fragrance timing (day vs. night), limited data led to a deeper focus on the relationship between fragrance types and pollinator groups.

Live Site

Process