![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/ff151050-fd1d-4edf-9e99-f01cfc8fc29d_rw_1920.jpg?h=9cf3185c69359642a9580338a32b128c)
Challenge
Self-initiated project to create a set of conceptual illustrations inspired by this Walden University article.
Show how the rapid progression of the internet and digital technology over the last few decades has changed 4 key areas of our development - attention, relationships, decision-making, and memory.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/c07e04e5-97ca-4848-bbf6-4b356cf27cad_rw_1920.png?h=18029d8d9cdab3a03c53d871ae1f1e06)
Thumbnail concept sketches created in Procreate
Outcome
Technology undoubtedly makes our lives easier. But it also creates a distance between ourselves and our real lives. Having digital input available 24/7 can be both beneficial and detrimental to how we engage with the real world.
I wanted the characters to show this contrast - to be relatable and friendly, but still feel slightly disengaged from the viewer.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/bb7177e8-531c-4c35-acd0-4076c6b441c4_rw_1920.png?h=fa614ee422b2fe0022ecb5d64f16bfc2)
How modern technology is affecting our development
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/2e2810ac-4928-4f03-a84c-dd11aa4786af_rw_1920.png?h=d5763ef75cfcbc9c5cd68eabe9a6ff79)
Relationships - Text messaging and social media have changed how we build and maintain relationships
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/8bfddbbc-ce24-4896-9b82-ff1e2992ebc0_rw_1920.png?h=053dd78d5f6581ac57e122e77499ee36)
Memory - Our reliance on the internet has decreased our ability to easily retain facts. But it has improved our ability to remember where and how to locate information
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/80c9f1bc-7b3a-427d-8c5e-f2d14a73c281_rw_1920.png?h=4d4a31e635846a3bd7f91de33708fc23)
Decision-making - The plethora of instant information and data available on the internet means we no longer rely on gut instinct. Instead, we can gather knowledge to make informed decisions
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/e092e9db-1561-445d-98d4-bbd4f392ac7a_rw_1920.png?h=7d4d44de97ba4a24ad3b3d5623254634)
Attention - The increase in options that can distract us, and having smartphones at our fingertips, has shortened our attention span.