The Design Behind the “Evolution of Students” Interactive Mini-Site

There’s no denying that the students of today are well in touch with the ever-changing tide of technology. With continuous advancement of gadgets and technology, and the era of information on demand, today’s students would be unrecognisable to those who studied in the 1970s.

But what would student life look like to a student of the 70s in comparison to the students of today? Insurance firm Endsleigh gathered some data from a recent NUS survey to show the changes in a more understandable visual way. Told through the tales of past and present students, The Evolution of Students graphic celebrates the lifestyles of students throughout different decades; and is an interesting account of what went on by the people who were actually there, living and breathing it all. The graphic allows us to picture what everyday life was like for these students and ultimately gain an insight into their lives.

The first graphic takes us back in time to the 1970s, and clicking on the timeframe shows two characters dressed in flares boogieing in front of a David Bowie poster. These characters emulate the look and feel of the 70s really nicely, and take us back to a better time when life was all about big hair, flares and hardly any cares. But take a big leap forward into the 90s, and we’re suddenly greeted with a Noel Gallagher lookalike sporting a parker, and a girl wearing a Spice Girls crop top. It’s interesting to see how much the style and attitude of students have evolved throughout these times.

Each frame has an interactive box to click on which reveals an interesting fact about students during that time. Not only do the facts cover studying but also fashion, technology and social aspects; this really helps build up a picture of what life was like for students of each decade.

The simple illustration style of the infographic is designed to communicate a light-hearted message. The piece was undoubtedly influenced by the movement in lifestyle, fashion, and music over the last five decades. Colours were chosen to embody the trending colours on the high street, and the typography was carefully considered and then chosen to replicate what was happening at that time.