Schrödinger’s Currency: The Two States
"What if two completely opposing states could coexist within a single symbol?" Inspired by the famous quantum physics paradox, 'Schrödinger’s Cat'—where life and death coexist until observed—this project explores the dual nature of currency. Currency is a vessel for two inseparable states: wealth and poverty. The places where currency accumulates and disperses are the very epicentres where power builds and scatters. Inspired by the interface of the iPhone Wallet, this project translates this volatile economic fluid into a graphic symbol and digital mockup, visualizing the invisible mechanics of wealth, poverty, and power that exist simultaneously within our digital wallets.
Currency inherently flows through human connections. To capture this essence, I moved away from abstract geometry and focused on a human-centric form: two arms firmly interlocking with one another. This symbolises the inescapable bond between the dual states of exchange. After iterating through numerous hand sketches, I transferred the final concept into Adobe Illustrator to craft a precise, scalable vector asset, establishing a balanced design system.
In the colouring stage, I utilised dynamic gradients to visually represent the fluid, unpredictable movement of currency. To elevate the narrative of 'interaction', I embedded tiny circular elements that signify individual transactions and continuous social exchanges. Through rigorous experimentation with various textures and visual variations, I added depth and tactile quality to the symbol, making the abstract economic concept feel tangible.
To bring the static identity to life, I imported the final symbol into Adobe After Effects. I crafted a seamless motion piece where the interlocking arms dynamically respond to the rhythm of gathering and dispersing power. By layering a curated sound design over the animation, I transformed the graphic symbol into an immersive multi-sensory experience, communicating the live volatility of digital currency.