Annotating the Value of Pi
Data Annotation | Visual Epistemology
Abstract
This project was part of my research as a candidate of Masters' of Design at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
Annotating the value of Pi (22/7) to the first 100 decimal places to see if it can lead to engagement from viewers.
Context
In my thesis, "Was this helpful? Yes or No: Design Explorations of Ethics and Agency in Social Media," I investigate the intersection of design, ethics, and user agency in digital spaces. A key theme of my work involves exploring how complex concepts—such as data, ethics, and human behavior—can be communicated in ways that transcend traditional boundaries of functionality and user interface design.
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The "Visualizing Pi" project aligns with this theme by using the infinite and abstract nature of pi as a metaphor for the way information, particularly data, can be understood through different lenses. Just as pi is a concept that eludes simple understanding through its infinite, non-repeating digits, this project invites the viewer to engage with data in a more intuitive, artistic manner, challenging traditional perceptions of numbers and scientific information.
Approach
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Data Transformation: Transformed the digits of pi into a structured dataset for visualization.
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Design Principles: Leveraged principles of symmetry, contrast, and repetition to highlight the continuous and unending nature of pi.
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Tools Used: Adobe Illustrator
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Creative Outcome: Produced a series of aesthetic patterns and radial designs that are mathematically rooted yet artistically expressive.
Key Features
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Each design reflects a segment of pi, mapping digits to visual elements like shapes, colors, or positions.
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Explores how mathematical constants can inspire creative expressions in art and design.
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Demonstrates skills in combining technical understanding with artistic interpretation.
Each digit was annotated using a specific color and all even numbers were annotated using hollow circles while all odd numbers were annotated using solid circles. These circles were then arranged in a grid of 10x10.
Looking at the gird of these annotated digits there were more interesting patterns that emerged. For instance, the first 5 digits from the top in the fourth column were taken by the number 2 and looking at the grid, one could easily count how many times a single digit was repeating itself for the first 100 times.
Impact & Learnings
Impact:
The "Visualizing Pi" project transforms an abstract mathematical constant into a visually engaging experience, demonstrating how complex data can be interpreted creatively. By mapping the infinite digits of pi into patterns, the project challenges traditional data visualization and encourages viewers to think deeply about the relationship between numbers, information, and creativity. This approach aligns with the themes of my thesis, where I explore how abstract concepts, such as ethics and agency in social media, can be communicated effectively through design.
The project also highlights the power of design to foster critical thinking and emotional engagement with data, encouraging users to reconsider their relationship with abstract information and its broader implications.
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Learnings:
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- Data as Narrative
I learned that raw data can tell a compelling story, not just inform. This skill is central to both my design work and thesis, where data shapes user perception and decision-making.
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- Balancing Precision and Creativity
The challenge of blending mathematical accuracy with creative expression helped me understand how to maintain integrity while making data accessible and engaging.
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- Design’s Role in User Engagement
The project reinforced the importance of design in enhancing user comprehension and interaction, a theme also central to my thesis on ethical data representation.
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- Interdisciplinary Thinking
Combining mathematics, design, and data visualization, the project exemplified how interdisciplinary approaches solve complex problems—a principle I apply both in my thesis and design work.