John Howrey
Design Leader
ContactCURRENTLY DigitalOcean
PREVIOUSLY SCAD
IBM
Skeptic
Philographica
Selbert Perkins Design
CASE STUDIES
Set Users Up for Success
Empowerment by Design
Driving Growth Through Design
All the World’s a Map
Luxury Reimagined

CASE STUDIES Who I Am, What I BuildPhilosophy of Leadership

All the World’s a Map Charting Broadway’s Collaborative History

Broadway’s rich history of artistic collaboration is complex and interconnected, making it difficult to visualize and understand. Traditional narratives often fail to capture the intricate web of relationships between directors, choreographers, composers, and lyricists, leaving enthusiasts and educators searching for a more engaging way to explore this vibrant cultural legacy.


APPROACHTo bridge this gap, I designed the Broadway Musical Theatre History Subway Map (BMHSM), a dynamic visualization of Broadway’s collaborative networks. My strategy included:

  • Transforming Data into Design: Reimagining the history of musical theatre collaborations as a navigable subway map, where each line represents a key figure and intersections highlight shared projects.
  • Engaging Format: Combining functionality with artistic appeal, the map serves as both a decorative artifact and an interactive educational tool.
  • Iterative Refinement: Regular updates since 2008 have ensured the map reflects new discoveries and maintains relevance for its audience.
 SOLUTION The BMHSM provides a fresh, user-centered approach to exploring Broadway history. Key features include:
    1. A Metro-Style Diagram: Lines for iconic theatre professionals, intersections for shared productions, and stops for key works.
    2. Educational and Entertaining: Users can trace the connections between shows like Into the Woods and Show Boat, or follow the collaborations of legends like Stephen Sondheim.
    3. Large-Format Design: Available in sizes up to 36x24 inches, the map invites exploration and serves as a conversation-starting centerpiece.
IMPACT
  • Educational Use: Featured in classrooms and academic institutions, enhancing learning about musical theatre history.
  • Professional Recognition: Sold in the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts gift shop, cementing its cultural and scholarly value.
  • Audience Delight: Praised for its design and detail, with customers calling it a “masterpiece” and a “treasure for theatre lovers.”

TAKEAWAYSThe Broadway Musical Theatre History Subway Map demonstrates the power of design to democratize access to complex cultural histories. By translating abstract data into an intuitive visual format, the map has become both a teaching aid and a cherished artifact. Its success highlights how design can illuminate the past while fostering curiosity and connection, setting a standard for future projects at the intersection of art, education, and history.

CLIENT Self-initiated
SECTOR Arts and Education
Retail
DISCIPLINES Graphic Design
Illustration