FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beyond Number: Interactive Social Awareness Platform Humanizes Data Through Storytelling and Visualization

Lei Ye's "Beyond Number" has received the prestigious Iron A' Public Awareness, Volunteerism, and Society Design Award for 2025, recognizing its innovative approach to social justice data. Developed in Boston and exhibited at the 2024 Data for Black Lives (D4BL) Conference and Pérez Art Museum Miami, Beyond Number is a web-based platform that transforms raw statistics into compelling, interactive stories. The project was inspired by the need to move beyond abstract numbers and illuminate the real human experiences behind social issues, blending data ethics, visual storytelling, and interactive design principles.

Unlike traditional infographics, Beyond Number invites users to explore curated datasets, interact with dynamic visualizations, and generate personalized digital posters that combine statistics with narrative elements. Built with HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and D3.js, the platform features a responsive, accessible design optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. Users can select key statistics, customize their insights, and export unique posters in PNG or SVG formats, making complex social issues more tangible and shareable.

The project's development was grounded in extensive research on data ethics and social impact, including literature reviews, case studies, and user testing with diverse participants. Overcoming challenges such as balancing data accuracy with emotional resonance and ensuring accessibility, the design team refined the platform through iterative testing and feedback. The result is an engaging, minimalist interface that encourages reflection and dialogue, helping audiences connect with the lived realities behind the numbers and fostering greater public awareness of social justice topics.

Beyond Number's recognition by the A' Design Award jury highlights its success in integrating industry best practices with creative innovation, offering a new model for data-driven storytelling in public awareness and advocacy.

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