UX design: SDGs explorer for the City of Melbourne
In this studio, our primary focus is to delve into the role of Communication Design in advancing collective efforts towards sustainable development. Our client, or 'the client,' in this context, is the City of Melbourne, the local government authority in proximity to our city campus. The City of Melbourne, often abbreviated as CoM, stands as a significant player in the realm of sustainable development. Notably, it is the first Australian local government to formally commit to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this commitment, the City of Melbourne has localized the UN SDGs to the Melbourne context, defining 16 specific goals, 88 associated targets, and over 300 indicators for measuring progress toward these goals. This ambitious undertaking provides a solid foundation for our exploration of Communication Design's role in promoting and facilitating these sustainable development objectives.
Relecting on Successes
When reflecting upon my performance, one aspect that stands out as a point of pride is my ability to confidently present and articulate my ideas to the client. This skill has proven to be valuable, as the client resonated with one of my concepts, which subsequently contributed to the development of the project. The client's positive response underscored the effectiveness of my communication skills and how they can directly influence project progress and success.
Seeking Improvement
However, there is always room for improvement. In hindsight, I realize that I could have delved even deeper into the concept that garnered the client's appreciation. Perhaps I could have expanded on it more extensively, enriching the project's depth and impact. Additionally, seeking additional feedback from my peers could have been highly beneficial. Diverse perspectives often lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions, and this feedback could have further refined the concept.
Intrigues and Interests
One of the most intriguing aspects of this project was the challenge it posed in effectively conveying a complex, data-intensive concept to diverse audiences. This challenge became particularly compelling in the context of the web, where attention spans are notoriously limited. It presented a unique opportunity to master the art of optimizing information hierarchies for maximum efficiency, ensuring that the message reached its intended audience clearly and impactfully.
Evolving as a Designer
As a designer, this project has catalyzed significant growth and development. It has underscored the critical importance of honing my visual communication and typography skills, particularly within the digital realm. Constructive feedback from the studio lead emphasized the need to refine my ability to convey messages effectively through visuals and typography, highlighting their pivotal role in today's digital landscape. In this landscape, aesthetics and readability are not mere afterthoughts but play pivotal roles in engaging and informing audiences. This recognition has undoubtedly contributed to my evolution as a designer, making me more attuned to the evolving demands of the field and the vital role of visual communication in our digital age.