top of page
Grid_6_DanceCode_1_MonicaAlbornoz_FinalDeck_v9__Keynote12.2.030 copy.jpeg

DanceCode

PROBLEM

Most women don't know that they can choose to lead in partner dance. And, when women do want to lead, other dancers might not be aware.

GOAL

To make role options and role choices visible in the partner dance gatherings.

OUTCOME

A wristband kit for dance organizations that facilitates dance floor interactions based on role preference instead of gender bias.

TOOLS

FigJam

Figma

Adobe Illustrator

Google Forms

maze.co

Keynote

DURATION

7 weeks

CLIENT
MFA thesis

Role & Collaborators

MY ROLE 

Lead designer

WHAT I DID

Problem definition, stakeholder interviews, rapid physical and digital prototyping, user testing, A/B testing

COLLABORATORS

Christine Nieves: video and photographer

Kristine Mudd: service design advisor

PARTNERS

Bailamos Juntos Social: Latin dance org.
The Fusion Experience: Latin dance org.

Blues Dance New York: Blues dance org.

DanceCode is a wristband kit for dance organizations that facilitates dance floor interactions based on role preference instead of gender bias.

Designed to prevent women from falling into the follower role unknowingly, DanceCode confronts all dancers with their options and simultaneously supports them in communicating their preferred roles. 

research

Problem definition

Caption pending. 

Not a problem of ignorance but a problem of communication.

Field research

It takes more than using gender-neutral language to create inclusive spaces where women can lead. It takes confronting 

A women-only experience to provide support and holistic skills.

User research

Most new dancers fall into gender-conforming roles automatically.

The sooner women begin leading, the easier it becomes. Women who started leading early on their dance journey, or who learned to lead and follow simultaneously, reported to feel extremely lucky. 

development

Collaboration artifacts

Tools for communicating the concept to the team.

I shared a rough storyboard and a detailed event agenda with my photo/video team and other collaborators. These tools made communicating the concept and expectations for the event clear and acted as the very first low-fi prototype.

Ladies Agenda.png

Branding and marketing

A feminine tone disrupts perceptions of leadership.

Inspired by queer brands like Lex, I designed

a friendly and proud but distinctly feminine brand. I liaised with local partner dance teachers and organizers to advertise on print and social media. Eventbrite was the event's main hub for sign-ups and customer communications. I tested all assets and props, before final production.