I believe design plays a crucial role in how we understand the world. A subway map that is easy to read or a public health poster that is succinct will bring meaning to important information. Such visual cues can also bring beauty, and we need that too.
When I’m designing for the public, I always have two goals in mind: clarity and elegance. I strive to convey messages in the simplest way possible so that important information is transmitted and understood.
When I’m designing for fun, it’s just that. I could happily experiment for days with the smallest snippet of an idea, drawing inspiration from nature’s patterns or modern architecture or whiskers on a dog.
Project goal: Create an 8-page print report to thank the anonymous donor who created a fund for women STEM faculty at UNM.
Design process: I collected or created the materials for the project including original photos and graphics. I iterated with stakeholders on content first and then designed the layout. The publication was approved by university officials and was distributed to the donor.
Tools used: Canva
Project goal: Design a flier to highlight available STEM faculty positions at UNM for potential applicants.
Design process: I worked with university officials to gather the content needed and came up with a design that included my original photos to show potential applicants some current faculty at work.
Tools used: Canva
Project goal: Design a cover image for a report on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on faculty members.
Design process: I read the report and created text to sum up key findings. The design was meant to visually reflect the idea that faculty said they needed help with duties such as childcare while also needing support for their scholarship.
Tools used: Canva
Project goal: Design and develop a robust website to highlight the work of women and minority STEM faculty.
Design process: I developed a site map for the content and a wireframe for the design. I solicited feedback from project members who approved the design before launch.
Tools used: WordPress.com
Project goal: Design a job aid for people who need to create professional videos using a web camera.
Design process: I saw a need for professionals including faculty members to increase the quality of videos and presentations they were creating during COVID. I developed a list of simple steps for making videos look professional and added icons to make it visually interesting.
Tools used: Canva
Project goal: Create a field guide for students learning how to prepare to conduct video interviews.
Design process: I developed a list of steps that students need to take to be successful when preparing for an interview that will be recorded using video equipment. I placed the steps in chronological order and summed up the basic knowledge needed for each part of the process. I created a simple design that didn’t distract from the information in each step.
Tools used: Canva
Project goal: Create an 36 x 24 print poster to congratulate the winners of the 2020 Women in STEM Awards.
Design process: I wanted to create something fun and celebratory for the winners. I chose a fun design using brand colors for the project.
