Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Studies / Osnabrück University – Inventory of Migration Terms

The Inventory of Migration Terms, by the Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Studies (IMIS) at the University of Osnabrück, stands as an interdisciplinary reference crafted at the crossroads of academic research and public discourse, designed to scrutinize and expand the lexicon of migration that permeates societal, political, and scientific arenas. Financed through a grant from the Volkswagen Foundation and hosted by the University of Osnabrück, this project underpins a nuanced exploration of the evolution, usage, and political underpinnings of migration-related terminology.

The aim of the project team at IMIS was to unpack the etymology and transformation of terms central to migration debates—terms that shape policies and public opinion yet often remain unexamined in their historical and political contexts. By providing a platform that not only defines but critically evaluates migration terminology, the project endeavors to equip users with the analytical tools to engage in more informed and reflective discussions on migration issues.

The design of the platform pivots on the principle of accessibility combined with scholarly rigour. It featured a visual system where each migration term was assigned a distinct color, creating a chromatic progression that visually guided users through interconnected themes and concepts. This subtle yet powerful use of design not only enhanced the navigational experience but also metaphorically reflected the spectrum of migration narratives.

The project's technological framework was marked by the development of an algorithm that automates the recognition and application of footnotes, ensuring precision and ease in the dissemination of complex information. The user interface was crafted in a way that allows dynamic interactions with academic content—footnotes and related resources could be explored through interactive overlays, facilitating a focused and uninterrupted reading experience.

Our team's design philosophy resonates through the project’s reflective approach to the societal implications of language used in migration discourse. Recognizing the potent influence of terminology in shaping social and political landscapes, the platform serves not only as an educational tool but as a catalyst for critical discourse and societal introspection. Through this project, we advocate for a conscientized engagement with the words we choose to describe our world—a commitment to precision and thoughtfulness that mirrors our broader professional ethos of fostering informed dialogue and sustainable societal integration.

In adapting to the diverse needs of our audience—ranging from academic researchers to policy-makers—the platform eschews the traditional PDF format for a more dynamic HTML-based presentation. This choice reflects a pivot towards enhancing accessibility and user engagement, offering a responsive and continually updatable medium that aligns with contemporary consumption patterns while maintaining academic integrity.

The Inventory of Migration Terms project exemplifies our commitment to integrating design innovation with scientific insight, producing a tool that not only informs but also challenges and inspires its users to engage deeply with the critical issues of migration and societal change.

Project Summary

Scope:
Web Design, Basic Project Branding incl. Social Media presence

Responsibilities:
Interaction Design, UX Design, Project Management, Visual Design

Project Team:
CDLX: Lisa Rudolf, Maciej Kodzis, Sarah Kremer, Federico Orrú;
IMIS: Dr Laura Stielike, PD Dr Isabella Löhr, Dr Philipp Schäfer, Dr Inken Bartels, Prof. Dr Christiane Reinecke;

Link:

Inventory of Migration Terms