Children On The Move: Visualizing Migration’s Youngest Journeys

Jiayan He’s publication brings clarity to the global crisis of child migration.

Children On The Move stands out as a pioneering publication that addresses the pressing need for reliable data and standardized terminology in the field of child migration. Developed by Jiayan He for IDAC—a coalition led by organizations such as UNICEF, UNHCR, and the European Union—the project visually defines the experiences of children affected by armed conflict, climate crises, and pandemics. Through detailed isometric illustrations, the publication communicates complex terms, definitions, and statistics in a format that is both engaging and easy to understand.

The uniqueness of this publication lies in its ability to bridge gaps between policy, research, and real-world impact. By offering a comprehensive glossary of migration terms and presenting the latest global data, Children On The Move empowers stakeholders to collaborate on improving data collection and utilization. The publication emphasizes the importance of standardizing migration terminology, which is essential for accurately identifying and supporting vulnerable children and for shaping evidence-based policies that protect their well-being.

Technically, the publication showcases meticulous craftsmanship. Jiayan He employed Adobe Illustrator for the creation of isometric infographics and Adobe InDesign for the layout, resulting in a polished and visually compelling document. The standard A4 format (210mm x 297mm) ensures accessibility and ease of distribution among international organizations and stakeholders.

The research underpinning the project is both thorough and inclusive. The publication begins with a conceptual framework that defines children on the move, identifies key subgroups, and highlights data gaps. Real-life scenarios illustrate how children may shift between categories, while a summary table provides an at-a-glance overview of available data and existing gaps. The color-coded system—blue for international migrant children, red for those needing protection, yellow for internally displaced, and more—enhances clarity and facilitates understanding among diverse audiences.

Children On The Move has garnered widespread acclaim, including a Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, for its creative ingenuity and technical excellence. By making complex issues accessible and actionable, the publication sets a new standard for how design can drive social change and improve the lives of children worldwide.

As global migration continues to shape the lives of millions, initiatives like Jiayan He’s Children On The Move demonstrate the power of design to inform, inspire, and advocate for the world’s most vulnerable populations.