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Ways in which design can be used for good

Pull up your chair, pour yourself a nice cuppa, and let’s have a natter about a topic that’s starting to turn heads in the branding world. Today, we’ll dig into design activism and its sweeping influence, both historical and contemporary, on businesses, charities, and, indeed, society at large. 

What is design activism? 

Think of design activism as the cool cousin of traditional activism. It’s where creative folk get to use their design skills to shake things up and make a real difference in the world. They use their talent in everything, from sketching eye-catching posters to designing innovative products, creating digital art, or even planning eco-friendly buildings. Their goal? To get people talking, change minds, and get things moving on social, political, or environmental issues. It’s all about blending creativity with a good cause – a pretty awesome mix, if you ask us! 

Businesses serving people, not just wallets 

Let’s think about businesses first. They’re often at the receiving end of a digital critique for falling short on inclusivity, accessibility, or representation. To add to this, the ‘Instagram era’ expects businesses to embody sustainable practices, radiate kindness, and leave a positive imprint on society. 

That’s where design marches in, sleeves hitched up, ready to get to work. It’s no longer just about crafting a vibrant logo or a slick website. Design can serve as a conduit for businesses to bridge the gap with customers on a deeper level. This connection isn’t solely about visually communicating core values, but also about amplifying accessibility and inclusivity. Think of a website built with a colour palette friendly to those with colour blindness, or typography that makes reading a breeze for dyslexics. Design can indeed be a powerful tool in reshaping the way businesses connect with their audience. 

Remember, good design is good business. It has the potential to nurture customer-business relationships and drive sales, all while giving businesses a platform to voice their values. In other words, design is becoming less about window dressing and more about window opening, allowing businesses to look out into the world they are part of and vice versa. 

Charity begins at (re)brand 

As for charities, the need to stand out and be recognised amidst the digital noise is pressing. But rebranding isn’t just about slapping on a new coat of paint; it’s about becoming relatable and turning interest into action, specifically donations. Top-notch design can significantly lift a charity’s visibility, fostering trust, and here’s the best bit – it can weave a compelling visual tale that really strikes a chord with potential donors. It’s all about making the designs do the talking.

Design activism: giving voice to change 

Let’s take a brief trip down memory lane for a spot of context. The practice of design activism – harnessing the power of visual communication to highlight social and political concerns – isn’t fresh off the press. Rather, it harks back to the era of Gutenberg and his revolutionary printing press and has evolved in response to our ever-changing societal needs.

Visual maestros like Thomas Nast made waves back in the 19th century, using their skills to shine a light on sobering realities like poverty and child labour. Fast-forwarding to the 20th century, we saw design giants such as Saul Bass and Milton Glaser using their artistry to give voice to critical movements like civil rights and environmentalism. 

The power of design activism today 

Today, design activism has evolved into an incredibly potent instrument. It’s been embraced across a spectrum of movements, working to increase awareness, disseminate information, motivate action, and shift perspectives on critical issues such as climate change, crime, and racial inequality.

Consider the AIDS Memorial Quilt, an expansive public art piece dedicated to the memory of those who have tragically succumbed to AIDS. Each individual panel tells a deeply personal story, stimulating awareness and empathy on an international scale.

Similarly, Extinction Rebellion is making waves, not only with its passionate activism but also through its creative use of design in protest. They employ a vivid, distinctive visual language to amplify their messages and rally support. With a striking palette – lots of neon green and bright pink – XR’s protest visuals are unmissable. This colour palette is also very Gen Z. 

Additionally, Greta Thunberg, the young Swedish climate activist, has leveraged her platform to construct visually compelling messages emphasising the dire need for action on climate change, inspiring countless individuals to join her cause. 

Finally, Fashion Revolution is a design activism movement based in the UK. It aims to raise awareness and promote transparency and sustainability in the fashion industry. The movement encourages consumers to ask brands the question “Who made my clothes?” and advocates for fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical practices throughout the supply chain. Fashion Revolution seeks to transform the fashion industry by promoting a more responsible and accountable approach to fashion production and consumption. 

So, there you have it. These are just a smattering of examples illustrating how design activism can be a potent tool for social change. Through creating awareness, fostering connections, and spurring action, design can indeed be used for good. Designers, in essence, are becoming stewards of change, championing causes that matter, and helping shape the world we live in. In their hands, the design becomes more than just aesthetics; it becomes a vehicle for transformation. So, keep an eye out – you never know when a design might just change your perspective, or better yet, the world. 

 

Need help? We’d love to chat about your brand and your future plans. 

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