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The Current

The Current is a publication from Jigsaw that examines the role of technology and individuals in countering some of the most challenging threats to open societies. Each issue of the Current explores Jigsaw's research presenting problems, new perspectives and countermeasures.
Person typing on a laptop showing The Current homepage and the cover of the conspiracy theories issue

Our approach

The Current utilizes a combination of art direction, illustration, data visualization, long-form storytelling and interactive design to present Jigsaw’s research in a meaningful and accessible way.

The Current cover for issue No. 001 Disinformation, with a blurred navy and white maze inside a circle
Five covers of The Current in a row: a blurred maze, a spiral, a pixel screen, a black disc and a blue triangle

Violent white supremacy

Jigsaw's ongoing research into violent white supremacy uncovers lessons learned from former white supremacists and investigates the networks through which this movement spreads. Understanding and presenting the problem of interconnected, asynchronous networks in a way that is tangible.

Illustration of a gray hand pinching a red pill, with more red capsules floating on black
Section opener titled "Mythology of The Lone Wolf" under an ink drawing of a man seen from behind
Black-and-white illustration of one hand reaching down toward another reaching up
Illustration of a person falling through black space among red pills
Chapter opener titled "The Way Out": a door ajar in a dark room with yellow light spilling through

Toxicity

A look at the rise of toxic language on the internet, and the chilling effect that toxicity has on free expression and community. This issue examines how artificial intelligence can help publishers and platforms host better conversations, and create more space online for people to exchange ideas.

Opener for "The Toxicity issue": overlapping pixel-style speech bubbles and windows on a pink background
Toxicity issue page with cards for New York Times Moderator and FACEIT beside pixel-art illustrations

Our challenge for every issue is finding the right balance of storytelling, art and design while accurately showcasing the research.

Conspiracy theories

Conspiracy theories have legitimized violence, impaired public health, and undermined democratic governance. Containing their harms begins with understanding the theorist, not the theory.

Conspiracy theories issue artwork: a black triangle filled with blue flowchart shapes joined by arrows
Quiz cards asking readers to guess how many Americans hold beliefs such as "New World Order" and "Alien Contact"
Illustration of a striped figure standing in a blue forest, with quotes from believers floating overhead
Component sheet of question cards, quote cards and event navigation in black and white
Data visualization components: a timeline, a line chart of extremist incidents by year, and donut charts
Diagram node showing five figures labeled "They" inside a circle with a blue glow
Map of Great Britain outlined on black with glowing yellow dots clustered across England
Chart on black comparing deaths and incidents from white supremacy and Islamist extremism, 2010 to 2017
Three phone screens of the disinformation database: a dot chart by year, a world map with bubbles, and a table

Press & Awards

Awwwards

Awwwards

Honorable Mention, 2021

Site of the Day, 2021

Developer Award, 2021

CommArts

CommArts

2x Webpick, 2021

Webpick, 2020

FWA

FWA

Site of the Day, 2020

Webby Awards

Webby Awards

Nominee, 2022

Winner, 2021

Nominee, 2020

Fast Company

Fast Company

Featured, 2020

Featured, 2021

Washington Post

Washington Post

Featured, 2020

MIT Technology Review

MIT Technology Review

Featured, 2021

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