DatartefactDatartefact is an independent research, editorial, and design project exploring the material history of data and knowledge systems.
Bringing together artefacts traditionally studied across archaeology, anthropology, media history, cartography, scientific instrumentation, and contemporary design, the project investigates how humans have encoded, recorded, and transmitted information through physical forms across cultures and eras.
From clay tokens and khipus to databooks, textile cartographies, punched cards, and data sculpture, Datartefact approaches these objects as part of a broader material culture of information. In doing so, the project intersects with contemporary discussions surrounding media archaeology, data physicalization, design history, visualization studies, and the anthropology of techniques.
Combining books, essays, visual research, and experimental artefacts, Datartefact functions as an ongoing editorial investigation into the material culture of information.
Anne-Laure Fréant is an independent researcher, editor, and designer based in Barcelona. Drawing from a background spanning geography, political arts, design research, and technical writing, she develops interdisciplinary investigations into the material forms through which humans have encoded, organized, and transmitted knowledge across history.
Since 2022, she has been developing Datartefact, an ongoing editorial and research project combining books, essays, visual research, and experimental artefacts.
Datartefacts — Women + Data Zürich
An online talk about the project, its origins, and the continuum of data-visualization and data-physicalization practices.