OBJECTIVE

To map my explanation for the results of a 2017 national epidemiological survey on alcohol and related conditions which concluded alcohol abuse in women has risen by 84% in the last 10 years.

OUTCOME

An interactive map aiming to de-stigmatize the conversation around women and addiction through my own struggles with alcohol over the last decade. It features a chronological journey starting at age 21 with facts and statistics around the drinking culture in New York City. Additionally, the maps ends with sobriety resources for anyone that is questioning their own relationship with alcohol.

Role: research, synthesis, ideation, conceptualization

Skills: communication design, systems thinking, experience mapping, visual design

Our modern day image of an alcohol abuser is outdated. It is no longer a person that can’t hold down a job, crashing on their friend’s couch. Instead, it is ever more common to be a strong, powerful, and outwardly successful women, particularly in New York City.

I find it to be no coincidence that my own relationship with alcohol matched the results of this 2017 survey. I wanted to demonstrate how a women’s contemporary relationship with alcohol is encouraged by various social structures - normal and healthy ones - sending the message that we don’t have a problem.

Moving through each of the last 10 years you see the different activities I engaged in that involved drinking. I highlight what social system these activities are a part of to emphasize the “normalcy” of the behaviors.

Each chronological age features the alcohol-related activity I engaged in, increasing incrementally as the years go on.

STATISTICS

By clicking on an activity the user is shown statistics about how alcohol is being used in that context.

ADVERTISING

I lay out the numerous outlets that continuously sent the message that my behaviors were normal and healthy. This is supported by a slew of statistics around advertising and social media, exemplifying how drinking culture is actively encouraged.

The presentation ends with the various resources available for sober support.

View full interactive presentation here: http://bit.ly/WomenAlcohol