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.
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.