Problem Tree.
The Visiting Lab,
NYU
Motion Design, Animation | Long-Form Educational Video
As a freelance animator, I collaborated with a team of Indigenous researchers at The Visiting Lab, NYU to create an informative video about a social research methodology called "The Problem Tree" - by Dr. Eve Tuck. The video explains how to conduct a group mapping session (via writing on sticky notes), build a diagram, and how to apply the Problem Tree process when building a research program. ​
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This page contains short selections from the 11 minute video that highlight some of my favorite moments of animation!
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My role was storyboarding, animation, design, production.
I do not own rights to any of the content in this video. All credit goes to the brilliant Dr. Eve Tuck and The Visiting Lab!
Sticky Notes! | The Leaves of the Tree
The Problem Tree brainstorm process begins with asking the question "How does this problem appear in every day life?" The group writes their answers on sticky notes, which represent the leaves of the tree. Below are a few sticky notes I illustrated. The responses I illustrated are from an existing Problem Tree diagram about Climate Change.
Roots of the Tree | These are the systemic and structural issues that feed the social problems. These issues are so big, they could take generations to address in social research.
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Selected Frames | Animation
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The video walks through the mapping process, and explains how to use the Problem Tree in social research. The opening illustration depicts this concept side by side, showing how the diagram translates to various parts of a tree.
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From Diagram to Focus Area | Animated GIF
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This tree illustrates how someone can locate an area of interest to research within in a Problem Tree diagram. The area they choose will addresses both the surface level (leaves) and systemic issues (roots) of the tree.
Other details~~
This is an exploration of the Problem Tree as a painting, inspired by Paulo Friere's sketches and illustrations of Problem Trees.