This project was born from a desire to visually explain why the U.S. political system is locked into a two-party structure. The “winner-take-all” voting model may sound straightforward, but it is a key driver of polarization.
The creative approach was to use motion graphics to break down a complex, structural issue into something engaging and accessible. Through animated infographics, visual metaphors, and a clear narrative, Vox aimed to show how the math behind elections translates into political power, and how it limits voters’ real choices.
Every design element, from color to motion to iconography, was crafted to support understanding, not just aesthetics. In many parts of the video, they even reduced animation to enhance clarity, which Designer and Animator, Lucas Mariano, learned can be just as important as adding movement. Though focused on the U.S., the topic resonates globally, including in Brazil (Lucas Mariano’s home country), where polarization is also on the rise.