Re: Design for Good

Hey guys, I'm a little late but wanted to chime in on this discussion. Designing for a greater good/ or just designing in general can make a huge difference. Sometimes design can be so powerful that we change our views on some issue/topic OR at the very least it brings much need attention to whatever issue/topic. Either way it makes a difference. 

 

I don't personally know  much about designing for social change, as I have never had to do work for someone/something like that, however I think its important to be open to it as a designer.

 

If I had unlimited time and resources I would be interested on working on a social campaign about addiction. There is a large social assumption about what addiction/alcoholism is and the public needs to be more informed in order to help the issue and get people treated.

Re: Design for Good

Well, now I feel ready to change the world! I think this is a good reminder of how design can make a difference. Living in the DC area, I see social campaigns all the time. A lot of non profits create campaign to advocate for everything from social issues to politics to healthcare. 

I took Information Design with Jeanne last year. In that class, we had a social campaign assignment. We had to create a series of posters for the metro on a social  topic of our choice. I chose the topic of sleep deprivation. To Kim's point, it was hard to create campaigns that didn't feel exploitative. We had to research quite a bit to be sure we had accurate, objective information. Several of the photos and language in the first drafts were nixed for being the wrong tone. It was a great challenge. If anyone cares, here are my posters. 

It is interesting to see how designers are being utilized in new ways. Makes me excited. 

Re: Design for Good

Do you think design can make a difference?

Yes! I believe design can definitely make a difference. Take for instance the picture I have added below. I'm quite sure many of us have a Facebook account and we see often many ads on people beating cancer, violence and all sorts of obstacles. Not to mention the countless children we see daily who are starving, in need of medical attention and who are orphans. I believe this message is very powerful because a like may spread the word but it seems to spread the word to gain likes rather than donating to the cause to prevent these types of situations from occurring. 

LIKING ISN'T HELPING CAMPAIGN 

Here's another example I came across

What do you know about designing for social change?

 I know a lot about social change but not as much about designing for social change. I've been apart of countless workshops and programs that spreads social change for you and young adults. Imagery is differently important to reach that audience as well as the audience that constantly has a negative perception on youth and young adults today. 

If you had unlimited time and resources, what kind of social campaign would you be interested in working on?

I would be interested in working on campaigns that focus on youth and young adult development. I've always had a passion for  helping my peers and other children and youth create a voice for themselves. Many people have negative perceptions on youth simply because of the media. But people fail to realize is that the media doesn't show all of the good that youth and young adults are capable of. I am also interested in working on campaigns that involve community outreach that decreases the increasing number of hungry people along with homelessness. 

Re: Design for Good

Jen, you had a great response to Sharmia's post this week about the disadvantages of an mismanaged social campaign. I remember when the Kony 2012 campaign plagued social media sites with users impulse to bandwagon without fully understanding the purpose of the entire campaign. This also reminded me of a similar campaign, "Bring Back our Girls," which didn't have as much of an impact a Kony 2012, but was still a public outcry for change.

However, this campaign definitely lacked good design and organization, and I don't really think it would have been successful regardless. During this age of social media, it's difficult to target audiences because they won't take the next step beyond using a hashtag or sharing a link.

I think social change is a very noble use of design skills, and I think that getting behind a great campaign would make a great pair. I can't really think of any at the moment, but I'm sure there are some really good ones...

RE: Design for Good

I've been kind of sick all week, so it's another brief response.

I think design is really important when it comes to social change. Bad design can kill a movement before it starts. And good design really makes a difference (like the signature style of President Obama's first presidential campaign).

I think that working pro bono if you really believe in the cause can be worth it. Especially if no one's getting paid. But taking on a major design role in a non-profit for no pay is not the way to go.

Re: Design for Good

Do you think design can make a difference?
Yes, I think design can make a huge difference! When I was an manager, I loved doing community events, and a lot of time - I ended up doing my own posters as announcements since the templates for the one provided for work where very generic. I loved it, and felt like it helped made a difference in getting peoples attention for the cause my location was supporting! As for pro-bono work, I have actually taken on a couple, that I am looking forward to for the control over the creative design!

What do you know about designing for social change?
Not much honestly, at least I haven't had the full opportunity to apply my talents in that way. But, one day I hope to.. knowing my work is helping capture attention for an organizations cause.

If you had unlimited time and resources, what kind of social campaign would you be interested in working on?
I would be interested in working on anything to do with mental illness or children, or both!

Re: Design for Good

This is going to be super short—sorry—but design for good is what I'm in pursuit of. I have always been super creative, and I've struggled with feeling like creative work is indulgent.

That's why I think this program at MICA sounds really cool. It's called Social Design. Check it out..