Queer Reads Lexicon
A community-generated index and archive platform exploring queerness in Chinese speaking communitiesOverview
Queer Reads Lexicon is a community-generated index and archive platform exploring queerness in the context of local languages, primarily in Cantonese and other Chinese-speaking communities.
The project is created in collaboration with, and as part of a larger project initiated by Queer Reads Library (QRL) in Hong Kong.
Viewers can browse through the current index of 100+ words (collected from QRL’s workshop in May 2019), add a new word, as well as add new definitions to exisiting words. The lexicon platform is developed by Mark Lam (Site currently in development).
︎ About QRL’s Lexicon Project
Queer Reads Lexicon is a community-generated index and archive platform exploring queerness in the context of local languages, primarily in Cantonese and other Chinese-speaking communities.
The project is created in collaboration with, and as part of a larger project initiated by Queer Reads Library (QRL) in Hong Kong.
Viewers can browse through the current index of 100+ words (collected from QRL’s workshop in May 2019), add a new word, as well as add new definitions to exisiting words. The lexicon platform is developed by Mark Lam (Site currently in development).
︎ About QRL’s Lexicon Project
Role
Product Design, UI/UX Design
Tools
Figma, Javascript
Product Design, UI/UX Design
Tools
Figma, Javascript
Design Highlights & Considerations
- Feature design: Intially, when QRL approached me for the project, we thought of creating a mindmapping tool to show relations of queer terms brought up by participants at their lexicon workshop. After several ideation, we identified a lexicon index, that is scalable and collaborative, would be the more appropriate format.
- Playful elements: draggable stickers (drawings from QRL workshop mindmaps), typewritter effect on homepage (showcases entries recorded in the lexicon)
- Data Collection: Much consideration is given regarding types of personal identity data to collect and display from participants, with respect to partipicants’ privacy and considering the project’s future goal of mapping queer lauguage to geographical locations
Public Showcase
Queer Reads Lexicon will be showcased at Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco’s “WOMEN 我們: From Her to Here” (February-August 2021) and “BOOKED: 2021” at Tai Kwun Contemporary (February, 2021).
Queer Reads Lexicon will be showcased at Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco’s “WOMEN 我們: From Her to Here” (February-August 2021) and “BOOKED: 2021” at Tai Kwun Contemporary (February, 2021).