Background:
As a Graphic Design and Development Intern at Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), I was presented with a challenge by the FAAS Development Manager. The existing signage on the door to the cat room was outdated, cluttered, and ineffective. This lack of clear and organized information led to volunteers overlooking important signs, resulting in issues with adherence to policies and procedures.
To address this problem, I was assigned the task of redesigning, recreating, and printing new signs. The goal was to create signage that would not only be visually appealing but also effectively communicate necessary information to both volunteers and visitors. Through this project, I aimed to enhance engagement and ensure that essential policies and procedures were followed consistently.
Process:
In reviewing the way the door looked from the inside and outside, and speaking to staff members, I first gathered data on the most important issues and needs for FAAS. The current signage was lacking a welcome sign, as well as one document with all the most important information. They also needed a removable sign for when the room is under quarantine to let volunteers and visitors know of the proper protocols for entering. Through the design process, I created cohesive visual components that were both eye catching and functional that looked related to each other to best capture attention.
Takeaways:
This project taught me about the development phases of a project: conception, research, drafting, editing, organizing, printing, and finally placement. There was a noticeable positive difference in how the staff reacted to the new posters, as I went back after it was done to receive input and see how it looked. It was a success and fulfilled the needs and objectives of the project.