VISual advocacy

kansas city art institute // senior 1 // 2004, 2008–10, 2012, 2018–2022

the notion of “designing for social change” has been an increasingly sophisticated endeavor over the past two decades, utilizing the tools and methods of creative thinkers for positive influence in communities. “visual advocacy” explores the range of ways we can empower others by initiating or co-authoring projects through direct engagement with the community. in the process, we become socially and politically active as designers. this class will use readings on theory, history, current issues, and key players to inform its work with local community activists in identifying and proposing solutions for the real problems their communities face.

view online course documents: course syllabus // project brief 1.1, brief 1.2, brief 1.3, brief 1.4 // daily blog [from older classes]

course notes
initially authored around 2004, this course has evolved greatly over the years to its current incarnation of working with local non-profits to propose a range of solutions to student-identified problems. a field trip to the non-profit or a presentation from them always kicks off the semester, where students learn about their mission and challenges they face. final projects are positioned as proposals with implementation information such as budgets, digital files, implementation instructions, and vendor resources. not quite half of this studio is a seminar with weekly readings and discussion around the topics listed in the course description.

OBJECTIVES

as a result of this course, students will:

  1. describe at an advanced level what visual advocacy is, and apply it through your own work in this class.

  2. hold a perspective on design’s role in society, as well as your role as a designer in society.

  3. hold a perspective, at a basic level, on our ethical responsibilities and opportunities as creators of visual culture.

  4. hold a perspective on the value and roles of the audience in visual communications projects.

  5. explain at a basic level graphic design’s role in the history of advocacy and communication of socio-political ideas.

  6. describe at a basic level what “sustainability” is and its relation to graphic design.

  7. hold a perspective on various relevant social/political issues, and apply that through meaningful project work beyond the normal designer–client relationship.

  8. apply knowledge of design authorship and participatory design to the initiation and/or co-authorship of a creative, community-oriented project.

  9. apply knowledge of design impact metrics [successful outcomes, smart goals, etc] and their measurement to your design project at a basic level.

  10. apply critical thinking skills to making, speaking, reading, and writing about design issues at an advanced level.

2020 fall

community partner: prospect business association [pba] pba partners with rising businesses and micro-enterprises and gives them the tools and training they need to succeed. they create solutions through advocacy, business development, community engagement, economic and community development.

lectures: participatory design // smart goals // guerilla graphic design // a crash course in identity design

semester-long project: community advocacy project // objectives 1–3, 7–10

celt realty identity extension and sub-brand – rylie lawver, ipek pelit, fiona dougan
build-out of additional identity elements, print applications, and design for a related business for this black- and woman-owned realty company.
view final project presentation

club 31 brand redesign – anthony williams, drake rorabaugh, joshua judin
re-design and extension of an existing identity. includes logo, color palette, typography, print materials, social media, and advertising proposals.
view final project presentation

2019 fall

community partner: metropolitan energy center [mec] the mec is dedicated to creating resource efficiency, environmental health, and economic vitality in the kansas city region and beyond.

semester-long project: community advocacy project // objectives 1, 2, 6–10

promoting urban agriculture in kansas city – caroline heiss, rachel walter
identity design, online mapping system, and physical signage system to increase visibility of urban gardening.
view final project presentation

the bipedal project – alex duncan
branded campaign encouraging urban walking as a viable form of transport. includes an awards-based tracking app.
view final project presentation

improving the “project living proof” house – jessica bee
signage and information graphics allowing self-guided tours of this energy-efficient kansas city house.
view final project presentation

2018 fall

community partners: communities creating opportunity | kcai ecosarc committee

semester-long project: community advocacy project // objectives 1, 2, 7–10

initial problem statements: ana benitez and isabelle brown | caitlin stovall

ecosarc recycling system – ana benitez, isabelle brown, tori green, z lisenbee
identity design and recycling bin options designed to clarify and expand recycling across the kcai campus.
view final project presentation

preschool in a box – kelsey mack, sydney sanders, jenna schwartze
do-it-yourself curriculum with materials and instructions for working-class parents who cannot afford preschool.
view final project presentation

loop [lending our own pennies] – alli sevareid
locally-sourced no-interest loan program designed to combat payday loans.
recognition – 2019 finalist in the student category – fast company World Changing Ideas awards [national]
view final project presentation

2012 spring – as an elective

community partner: rosedale development association

semester-long project: community advocacy project // objectives 1, 2, 7–10

initial problem statements: anna underwood | keaton reeder and judah wenger

final project images:

pawprint pathways – richard konradt
a scavenger hunt and games for kids to engage in on their walk to and from school. designed as a fun way for kids to stay healthy and active.

hanging pride in the streets – travis carroll
youth-designed banners to enhance rosedale’s identity, mark community boundaries, and contribute to community pride.

produce pedaler – judah wenger
a free, bike-powered food delivery system designed to re-distribute extra produce from the rosedale farmers market to rosedalians in need while raising awareness of the local market.

2012 fall

community partner: rosedale development association

semester-long project: community advocacy project // objectives 1, 2, 7–10

kickoff field trip to the rosedale neighborhood:

healthy pick – sam mak, mckenzie marston, jessie ren, jessica rojas
an interactive, game-based curriculum for ages seven to eleven to help them understand the “why” behind choosing healthy foods.
view final project presentation
view project video

protein pods and a new coat of paint – erika goering, michael jumper
cafeteria space redesign [including graphics, paint, and surface treatments], on-screen menu slideshow, and paper menus to facilitate the development of healthy food choices for elementary school children.
view final project presentation
recognition – design ignites change – $500 idea award [national]

pop up park: imagine. create. play – ivan alonso
addressing lack of park and play resources through a diy approach that stimulates creative play and imagination.
view final project presentation

final project presentations: