encoding the jumpman
A data sotry of the top 20 Air Jordans and their iconic sneaker history
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overview
This project explores the rich history of Air Jordans through data visualization, capturing the journey from the first release in 1985 to the present. As a brand, Air Jordans have become a cultural artifact, symbolizing self-expression, athletic excellence, and the intersection of sports and streetwear. The project transforms quantitative data into a comprehensive visual representation that reflects the cultural and historical significance of the Air Jordan legacy. This project was submitted in partial fulfillment of the Data to Perception course at OCAD University’s Digital Futures graduate program.
behind the work
As the first deep dive into data viz, this project was all about balancing precision with storytelling. The digital medium allowed for quick iterations and refinements, while initial sketches on paper helped shape the narrative framework. Collecting data was its own adventure—ranking Air Jordans is inherently subjective, making it crucial to identify credible sources and minimize bias. The biggest challenge? Knowing when to stop. With a topic as expansive as Air Jordans, it was easy to go down endless rabbit holes. The key takeaway: simplicity is everything. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones told with the cleanest lines.
To document and visually represent the evolution of Air Jordans by analyzing key attributes such as release dates, model numbers, and product categories. The aim was to create an engaging visualization that traces the timeline of Air Jordans while emphasizing the volume of releases and their cultural impact. The project was driven by a personal fascination with sneaker culture and a lifelong passion for collecting and understanding the stories behind iconic shoes.
The project focused on selecting the "Top 20 Air Jordans of All Time" as the central theme, inspired by a personal interest in sneaker culture. Primary data was collected from the official Jordan Archive and verified against secondary sources like Complex and GOAT to ensure accuracy and completeness. The key attributes chosen for analysis included the year of original release, model number, number of releases across OG, Retro, and Player Exclusive categories, and the ranking of each shoe. This structured approach allowed for a more detailed and comprehensive dataset.
The collected data was organized chronologically, aligning with model numbers to create a clear and cohesive timeline. This approach not only highlighted the evolution of the Air Jordan brand but also provided insights into how different models reappeared over time, with a focus on documenting multiple re-releases. Recurring models within the Retro category were categorized and visually emphasized to showcase their sustained popularity and cultural relevance.
Initial design concepts were sketched on paper to visualize the potential structure and storytelling framework. The refined sketches were translated into a digital medium, facilitating precise adjustments and iterative refinements. This transition enabled more accurate visual representation and allowed for the inclusion of subtle design elements to enhance clarity. Inspiration for the intricate visual structure was drawn from Nadieh Bremer's "alis_OS" project, known for its elegant handling of complex datasets. The final visualization effectively communicates both the chronological evolution and the categorical diversity of Air Jordan releases. The final output not only captures the quantity and variety of Air Jordan releases but also emphasizes the cultural significance of the brand's enduring legacy, offering a fresh perspective on sneaker history through data storytelling.
year
2023
timeframe
3 weeks
location
Toronto
analog tools
Data Collection + Data Visualization
digital tools
Adobe XD + MS Excel
category
Data Viz
01
This visualization captures the entire Air Jordan timeline from its inception in 1985 to 2020. Each line represents a model’s journey through time—branching upwards or downwards when two models were released in the same year.
02
Various representational systems were tested, ultimately leading to a branching model. This system visually articulated the core unit of each Air Jordan model while expanding into branches to represent the number of releases in each category.
03
A closer look at how each Air Jordan model is represented, categorized by original releases, retros, and player exclusives, ranked by cultural impact. Distinct visual markers differentiate between OG releases, their reissues, and exclusive player editions.
04
The golden era of Air Jordans, with rapid releases from I to VII, including the iconic Air Jordan I—retroed the most over time. This period established the foundation for sneaker culture, with multiple models becoming all-time classics.
05
A slower period marked by Jordan’s retirement, introducing player exclusives and the legendary Air Jordan XI. Retro releases gained traction, reviving fan-favorite designs for new generations.
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This period reflects a balance between technological advancements and nostalgia. While Retro releases became more selective, models like Air Jordan XX introduced groundbreaking performance features.
07
By the late 2000s, Retro releases grew rare while Player Exclusives surged, reflecting a shift toward athlete-focused customization. Models like Air Jordan XXXI and beyond emphasize performance innovation rather than mass reissues.
08
This comprehensive visualization traces the Air Jordan journey across 35 years—from the groundbreaking Air Jordan I to the futuristic Air Jordan XXXV. Each model’s category, ranking, and release frequency tells a layered story of innovation, cultural impact, and the evolution of sneaker fandom.
