Take On Wall Street (TOWS) is a coalition of over 50 groups united in their mission to build a financial system that works for all working families, regardless of race. They envision a future where the financial sector serves the real economy, not just big Wall Street banks. To make this vision a reality, TOWS brings people together to train activists, cultivate political champions, and deliver policy change.

We collaborated with TOWS to translate a key piece of their educational curriculum into an engaging digital experience that could spark change. The challenge was to create an interactive website that explores the history of the US economy, shedding light on how financial institutions have perpetuated inequality.

The site combines powerful imagery, engaging animations, and thought-provoking prompts. As you scroll through the events, you uncover lesser-known historical facts and connect with the human stories behind the financial system. The "notebook" feature encourages reflection and action, and aims to transform passive readers into engaged citizens.

The visual language draws directly from US currency design, which are then appropriated into the typography, iconography, image framing, and patterns. These familiar elements are repurposed to create a narrative that challenges users perspectives. The image system, in particular, plays a dual role. At times, it remains static, shielding what is beneath. In other instances, it acts as a series of revealing windows. The windows highlight how systemic thinking can blind us to our own history, denying us the opportunity to learn from it.