Context
Memetic Influence analysed how the Russian Internet Research Agency (IRA) sourced and modified memes to spread through fake Facebook pages across 10 distinct propaganda channels. The research was rich but complex; communicating it effectively to a general audience required interactive visualisation rather than static charts.
What I built
I served as the technical visualisation lead, building the interactive D3 components that powered the thesis site.
Kumu graph integration and D3 parsing — A custom parser transforms Kumu-exported CSV data into D3-compatible node/link structures, powering network graphs representing IRA propaganda channels.
Zoom system — A reusable SVG zoom class supporting fit-to-view, node-targeted zoom, and programmatic reset — enabling smooth navigation through graph nodes.
Custom meme propagation network — A fully hand-crafted SVG network graph built in D3 with circular photo-frame nodes, proportional node sizing, and arc-typed edges — solid lines for direct propagation, dashed lines for intertextual links.
Interactive slide presentation system — A multi-stage navigable presentation walking users through the memetic propagation chain step by step.
Outcome
A thorough case study for Memetic Influence's mission to expose coordinated inauthentic behavior.