DT—26
Jinwen Yu
I am an illustration-focused visual designer interested in how information is communicated in cultural and educational contexts. My work explores how images can make complex ideas clearer, more engaging, and easier to understand, especially for younger audiences.
I often combine storytelling, environmental elements, and interactive thinking in my practice. Whether I am designing maps, educational materials, or narrative illustrations, I aim to create work that is visually inviting while helping people connect with and understand the content.
From Now On
A series of narrative illustrations based on the idea that “the mortality rate of life is 100%.” Using tropical plants and animals, I build visual scenes that reflect time, change, and cycles in nature. Rather than focusing on the weight of an ending, the work suggests a different perspective: if we already know life has an end, we might pay more attention to what is happening now. Through light and lively imagery, the series encourages viewers to pause, let go of future worries, and reconnect with the present.
Play to Explore: ROM Interactive Map for Children
A children-focused museum map designed for the Royal Ontario Museum. It combines illustration and information design to turn complex content into a clear and engaging visual system. The map is designed to align with how children naturally explore and learn, helping them understand exhibits in a more relaxed and accessible way. It also introduces basic behaviour cues, supporting children as they become more familiar with public spaces.
The project also considers children who may need additional support, balancing visibility, comfort, and inclusion. I designed a name tag system that allows staff to provide assistance discreetly, without making children feel singled out.
Maple Adventure
A children’s illustration project focused on nature education. Using the maple leaf as a central element, the project creates a small world that encourages exploration and curiosity. It combines simple information with storytelling, using a friendly visual style to guide children in observing and understanding their environment.
By bringing illustration and information together, the project aims to make learning feel more like discovery, encouraging children to stay curious and engaged.