Caltech researchers have innovated to extend or redirect technologies for vital new uses. The illustrations provide an interactive visual representation of the old and new uses for each technological advancement. In its initial state, both illustrations are shown with the technology highlighted used in the same place in both illustrations. However, one can swipe right or left to reveal the full old- or new-use illustration, providing more context. Some of the topics covered include: piggybacking an earthquake-sensing system onto a city’s existing fiber-optic network; using imaging tech used on the space shuttle to reveal never-before-seen text from priceless manuscripts; and applying an isotopic behavior first discovered in dinosaur teeth to probe what gave rise to life itself.
From the Judges
This outstanding entry successfully visualizes multiple pairs of distinct applications of seemingly-disparate technologies. The intended message within each pair of illustrations is quite clearly conveyed. The technical skill and attention to detail is remarkable, from the correctly-coloured shadows on the versions of the oxygen meter to the tiny books on a tiny shelf. The colour palates and tones of each piece are simply brilliant. Ultimately, these factors, in addition to the deeply-considered concepts and sharp execution of these illustrations, raise up the whole to the level of a must-read.
