Thesis Statement
Not many people are willing to make several moves in year, others have no choice. Migrant workers tend to make multiple moves a year and majority of migrants work in agriculture. My thesis was over the migration patterns of these agricultural workers shown through a series of infographic posters but later changed to a website. I hope to portray what their journey may look like from year to year and why do they make these moves.
(Left) Mockup on Android Device
(Right) Mockup on iPhone.
General Info. page. Guillermo Narrative Page Jose Narrative Page David Narrative Page
(H2A) (Follows the Crop) (New comer)
(Left) Android Mockup . (Right) iPhone Mockup
Project Goals and Background
When we were exploring possible ideas for our thesis project, migrant life came to mind, I wanted to present this in my work in a way. "Maybe showing an infographic over migration?" "How well can a infographic be designed to explain this concept?" My thesis project is predominantly over migrant life, the reason because I have a close connection and experience working with migrant agricultural workers in the past few years. Those that I'd work with all came from different backgrounds, and I'd wonder why their time was limited. My main objective is to inform others about this topic and have the story be relatable for people to understand.
Research
When I first began my research I was flooded with information and data on migrants and immigrants I was overwhelmed with articles on the topic both political and analytical. Some information I knew from experience or told by others such as low migration patterns in the past few years and a decline in jobs. Sticking to the facts and not to get political I decided it'd be best to display neutral data on the subject. Not all migrant agricultural workers are foreign born. I learned that about half of the work force in agriculture are immigrants and these immigrants eventually migrant across the United States in search for work. There has been a decrease of agricultural jobs in the past few years and with an aging work force this could explain the low volume of workers.
Research Map on Migrant Agricultural Workers/Migration Patterns
(Left) Sketches for infographic layout
(Right) Digital sketch and layout of infographic poster (H2A)
The Narrative Graphic
My idea for a series of posters changed as I discussed my idea in my consultations, I decided it would be best to transition the series of posters into a website.The website using Adobe XD would contain narratives on the types of migrant workers I've done my research on. The narratives embed information about the migrant agricultural worker while being interesting for the viewer with an illustrated story. Each narrative would be scrollable so figuring out the best way to keep viewer engaged was on my mind. The story would flow with a slight wavy transition to keep the content flowing and the viewer scrolling.
(Right) Initial XD Digital sketch and layout of infographic poster (H2A)
(Middle) Progression of narrative
(H2A)(Left) Current Layout of pages.
I started off making the website in 1920 by 1080 but later realized everyone has a mobile phone. Creating the website for a mobile device would be best for this reason. I rearrange the information in graphics vertically for each narrative to flow better with the device. Spacing and type size were key mainly because all phone screens are different sizes.
1st: H2A infographic 2nd: New Comer infographic 3rd: Follow the Crop infographic 3rd Shutter/Settled infographic
QR CODE
Below is the QR code to access the site.
Conclusion
In conclusion I believe to have shown a compelling narrative on migrant agricultural workers and their yearly migration patterns. With the data collected and implemented in the story I hope the viewer can understand the reason why many workers make the moves. My end goal for this website based infographic was to inform the viewer in an engaging way. Some pages/stories took longer for me to complete mainly because I was waiting to see if I could find more recent information but I had to work with what I could find on the subject. Despite this I think the outcome turned out great. Overall I learned a lot over migrant workers and about Adobe XD, I hope everyone can learn a little more info on migrant life if they don't know already.
Resources
Characteristics of US farm workers - migration news: Migration dialogue. Characteristics of US Farm Workers - Migration News | Migration Dialogue. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://migration.ucdavis.edu/mn/more.php?id=606
Facts about agricultural workers. NATIONAL CENTER FOR FARMWORKER HEALTH. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from http://www.ncfh.org/facts-about-agricultural-workers.html
Farm labor. USDA ERS - Farm Labor. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-labor/
Farmworkers in the United States. MHP Salud. (2022, April 21). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://mhpsalud.org/who-we-serve/farmworkers-in-the-united-states/
Findings from the National Agricultural Workers Survey ... (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/naws/pdfs/NAWS%20Research%20Report%2014.pdf
Fruit Growers Supply. Serving Agriculture Since 1907. (2022, April 21). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from http://www.fruitgrowers.com/
A look at H-2A growth and reform in 2021 and 2022. Wilson Center. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/look-h-2a-growth-and-reform-2021-and-2022
Patterson, H., & *, N. (2014, February 11). Michigan's top 10 agricultural commodities. Farm Flavor. Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://farmflavor.com/michigan/michigan-crops-livestock/michigans-top-10-agricultural-commodities/
Patterson, H., says:, C. H., & *, N. (2020, July 22). Top 10 agricultural commodities in Georgia. Farm Flavor. Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://farmflavor.com/georgia/georgia-crops-livestock/top-10-commodities-georgia/
Website, T. D. of A. (n.d.). Texas AG STATS. Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://www.texasagriculture.gov/about/texasagstats.aspx
