Background

Design can be a powerful tool for transformation. In this project, I worked with two other students to complete extensive research on the issue of juvenile incarceration in the US and merge the gap between our skills in visual design and apply it to create social impact. We then developed an identity system and materials for a campaign intending to educate those who wish to learn more about the system and its origins and structure, advocate and stand with people using their voices for change, and support people involved with and around the legal system.

1,995 children are arrested each day in the U.S. many of which are children in poverty, children of color, children with disabilities, children with mental health and substance abuse challenges, children subjected to neglect or abuse and children in foster care. Racial disparities persist with 67% of children in the juvenile legal system being children of color.

CONCEPT

The issue is an extremely complex one and the juvenile legal system is deeply embedded in our society. We decided to focus on educating those in the general public who wish to get involved in creating change around the current juvenile legal system. We aimed to address the underlying psychological factors that determine peoples behaviors in the first place to create space for reflection and conversation focusing on possible alternate systems of accountability. In order to do this we developed a multi-faceted brand and campaign titled Humanity in Youth.

MY CONTRIBUTIONS

The preliminary research, interviews and style guide was a collaboration with my teammates, a strong foundation for us to each separately design three touch points for the campaign. I designed our website home page and stories page, a handbook publication intended to be mailed quarterly and business cards.

Thank you to Sean & Tascha at Choose 180, Devon at Collective Justice, and Molly McHenry for their insight, knowledge and time given to help out with this project.