Aphasia Speaks
Project Type
Visual Identity
Exhibit/Environmental
Editorial
Client
Thesis Project — George Brown College
Awards
Outstanding Process Book — GBC Year End Show 2022
Honourable Mention, Placemaking Design — RGD Student Awards 2022
Aphasia Speaks is an awareness initiative focused on educating adults about aphasia, a condition affecting over 120,000 Canadians. I crafted a bold, loud, and optimistic brand to amplify the voice of this often overlooked condition, alongside designing a pop-up exhibit to facilitate meaningful learning experiences.
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What is Aphasia Speaks?
Aphasia affects over 120,000 Canadians, impairing their ability to speak, listen, read, and write. Occurring in about 1 in 3 stroke survivors, this condition is expected to increase rapidly with Canada's aging population. As communication is vital in nearly every aspect of adult life, aphasia can have devastating effects on those it touches. Despite its prevalence, the majority of people have never heard of aphasia. Aphasia Speaks aims to address this by educating adults through interactive pop-up exhibits focused on awareness, support, and empathy.
The Challenge
The primary challenge in this project revolved around ensuring inclusivity for individuals with aphasia, despite them not being the primary target audience. Consulting with individuals with aphasia and speech language pathologists was crucial to developing an experience that addressed their needs. Given the exclusion many with aphasia face in various facets of life, it was imperative to prioritize their accessibility throughout the project, notably reflected in a more utilitarian typography choices.
Branding
In designing the branding for this project, I prioritized a bold colour palette and clear typography for accessibility. Patterns inspired by neural pathways and connections, symbolizing the resilience and interconnectedness within the aphasia community. Candid images of real individuals were also integrated to infuse a sense of approachability and friendliness into the brand.
Exhibit
When conceptualizing the Aphasia Speaks exhibit, the objective was to craft a space that was energetic yet didn't induce a rushed atmosphere. The main brand pattern was enlarged to form panels, allowing for division of space while maintaining an open and airy feel. Warm wood tones complemented the pattern, creating an inviting backdrop. The challenge lay in conveying the nuances of aphasia through interactive vignettes. Interactivity was pivotal, as it not only enhanced engagement but also facilitated a more memorable experience, enabling adults to learn in a novel way for better retention.
The exhibit's individual areas are each centred around a specific aspect of speech that people with aphasia often struggle with. Rather than delving into the technical details of the impairment and its causes, these areas focus more on conveying the frustrations experienced as a result. The goal is to make these challenges relatable and understandable to the general population.
Design and SketchUp model by Lesli Ransom.
Lumion render by Abhishek Arch.
Process Book
