Maria Camila Lugo

Imagine trying to walk in a straight line, but your body sways and stumbles as if the ground is quicksand. Trying to speak, but your tongue feels twisted. That is ataxia, a neurological disorder that impairs coordination of voluntary movements. 

'Unsteady Ground' tells the story of my dad's progressive experience with ataxia, highlighting his gradual loss of verbal communication. By collecting memories from those close to him and integrating layout design, materiality, and typographic manipulation, the publication provides a comprehensive depiction of this condition and expresses qualities of language that words alone cannot. 

This project delves into language as both a message and a visual form, emphasizing the subtle aspects of speech through typography. Inspired by personal experiences and dialogues, it examines how text and visuals work together to reveal deeper meanings, such as emotions and speech abilities. The work explores how text and book design captures the nuances of language that words alone cannot convey.

This inquiry highlights the role of graphic design in translating and representing diverse human experiences and voices. Graphic design serves as a mediator, fostering understanding and empathy by connecting different realities and perspectives. This work is especially relevant for individuals who have faced challenges similar to those of a father, as well as for families and caregivers, providing them with representation and insight.