Understanding the challenge
How do you make a reader care about a complex policy issue? You personalize it. In "Freedom to Farm without Subsidies," we aimed to increase public understanding of the unintended consequences of farm subsidy programs and spotlight alternative, sustainable farming models. Assets provided to us included a longform investigatory piece and photographs; the challenge was teasing out an engaging, emotionally gripping narrative that played out over the course of a single interactive webpage.
Developing an approach
By utilizing multimedia and the "scrollytelling" format using Drupal and the GSAP library, we wanted to humanize complex policy conversations through using real farmers' voices. Farmers provided interviews and photographs to Cato's Policy Investigator, who also added policy context and historical background. I storyboarded the piece, integrating all these parts into a cohesive narrative. I also intentionally added sections with atmospheric videos and accompanying soundscapes, allowing the reader to "breathe" and setting the emotional tone.
The final result was a layered, engaging narrative where understanding builds step-by-step for the reader. Interviews humanized policy and anchored emotional connection; textures, photographs, and other mood-setting multimedia gave the piece life and emotional weight. Interactive data visualizations simplified complex federal spending and program structures, making intricate policy arguments accessible and engaging.
