Research & Design Study

Research
Writing
Editorial
Book Binding

The Anatomy of Saudade is a multidimensional design study that explores the complexity of Saudade—an emotion deeply rooted in Portuguese culture and often considered untranslatable. The project investigates why Saudade resists direct translation, how it differs from related emotions like nostalgia or melancholy, and what this reveals about the cultural and linguistic framing of emotions.

By examining the role of design in articulating intricate feelings, the project highlights its potential to mediate and translate the intangible. The final outcome, an illustrated book, synthesizes the essential elements of Saudade, bridging language, culture, and visual storytelling. More than a personal exploration of identity and longing, this work is a contribution to the study of emotions through design. It challenges the boundaries of design as a communicative tool, demonstrating its ability to generate knowledge and make emotional complexity visible.

Methodology
To achieve these goals, the project combined theoretical and practical research using a variety of methods:

1. Literature Review: A detailed analysis of the origins, characteristics, and cultural myths surrounding Saudade.
2. Personal Testimonies: Collection and analysis of 145 responses to online questionnaires about subjective experiences of Saudade.
3. Visual Research: Investigation into graphic and artistic representations of the theme.
4. Interpretative Methodology: Development of a visual concept that translates the collected data into a cohesive graphic language.