DESIGN: THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL IN THE TOOLKIT
Nothing else matters if a plan isn’t clear and compelling. Thoughtful design leads to greater participation, quicker consensus, and more impactful results. We make planning processes welcoming by designing digital and print materials that are fun, engaging, and reinforce local pride.
PROJECT LOGO + IDENTITY
PRINTED COLLATERAL
Who said planning projects can’t be fun? Whether it’s a mini-comic, an activity book, or a resident-focused action kit, our designers love to think outside the box about ways to communicate new ideas and inspire action.
DIAGRAMS + INFOGRAPHICS
Translating the technical is our specialty. We craft digestible and clear process graphics, storytelling visuals, and conceptual diagrams to communicate a variety of technical topics.
Videos
We create punchy short-form videos for social media and websites, animations and motion graphics to break down complex ideas, and get a new perspective on a project with our drone.
PLAN + REPORT LAYOUT
We design plans that are easy (and fun!) to read and understand. Using graphics that clarify technical jargon and custom illustrations that let community members see themselves in a plan, our work helps stakeholders understand their role in implementation. What’s more, our team is well-versed in Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and ensures our deliverables meet accessibility standards for people using screen readers and other assistive devices.
A COLLAGE OF COMMUNITY VOICES
Stakeholder and resident contributions were at the heart of recommendations in this award-winning TOD plan. A fresh approach to the engagement summary shows how community input efforts are woven together to create a shared community vision.
STRONG VISUALS SUPPORT BOLD RECOMMENDATIONS
The One Howard Street Economic Recovery Plan uses bold graphics to complement the bold ideas outlined in the document. Every spread packs a punch for the viewer and reader alike.
A WELCOMING GUIDE THAT ENCOURAGES ACTION
This plan was written for a non-technical audience and its visual language reflects this. The design motif references a classic board game, using playful graphics to keep readers engaged from start to finish.
PRIORITIZING ALL READERS IN A BILINGUAL DOCUMENT
This bilingual plan was printed in a way that doesn’t prioritize either language or assume English as the default. Instead, the “reversible” design allows the reader to choose to read the plan in Spanish or to flip the document and read it in English.
COMMUNICATING GRANT AWARD DECISIONS
The Invest in Cook grant program uses a complex set of metrics to evaluate and determine awards. A standardized template allows readers to easily compare awarded projects to understand how they meet various criteria.
MAKING SENSE OUT OF BIG DATA
Milwaukee County’s Complete Communities initiative is a call to action for traffic safety. Straightforward design of maps and charts clearly illustrate the issue’s urgency.
CONNECTING COMMUNITY INPUT TO PROJECT PRIORITIES
The Kimball Station Area Curb and Mobility Study includes at-a-glance summaries of a robust community engagement process, helping the reader understand how the team incorporated local voices into final priorities.
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN ACTION PLAN
Like a well-designed Complete Street, the layout of the Vision Zero Oak Park Action Plan is easy to navigate. Community input is woven throughout the document, and recommended strategies include clear steps for implementation.
Small format for big impact
Custom illustrations and a smaller format give the Vision Zero West Side neighborhood plan a zine-like feel.
