When I was approached by YMHA to sit in on a half-day workshop about information sharing and confidentiality and interpret the day’s findings into an industry-based practice resource; I thought: I’d never done anything like this before. Was I the right person?

Answer: Of course I was!

As a graphic designer, I think about things differently. I see things in ways others don’t. I am a problem solver.

So I went to the workshop with a coffee and my notepad, ready to practice some active listening. I was in search of sound bytes, possible topic headings, and information nuggets. Attended by 50+ industry peers, there were experts from various sectors who spoke about their observations, preferences, and concerns with current practices, as well as a number of consumers with lived experiences.

After the workshop, I had pages of notes on the topics discussed and several concepts sketched out. I also had access to transcripts of group exercise outcomes and slideshow presentations. A picture was beginning to form in my mind.

I felt that a 2-page flyer was going to be the most digestible way to deliver the information and that I wanted a catchy headline to activate a thought process.

The next stage was to present my thoughts in a co-design forum with a team of 9-10 stakeholders, each with their own ideas and passions about the subject. This was all done remotely and via zoom meetings.

I had identified three areas our resource could focus on. 1. Key considerations when sharing information. 2. Asking questions about consent and confidentiality. 3. Being mindful of self and others.

This translated into the memorable: Reflect. Review. Respond.

Using co-production techniques I was able to assign writing tasks to various team members, who all knew more about the topic than me, and guide them toward my vision of our shared purpose. This process helps everyone feel included, to have a voice and contribute to the final outcome.

Once I got full approval on all the copy we needed, I finally set about designing the flyer. This was the easy part.

I was so inspired by what the underfunded Yarra Mental Health Alliance was trying to achieve, that when I asked for their logo to go at the bottom of the practice guide, and they didn’t have one; I designed them a brand identity, strap line and collateral pro bono. Just so they can continue to fight the good fight, looking their best.

Everyone without fail loved the final product and the messaging we were able to convey. The resource was distributed to all health and wellbeing sectors that involve delicate consumer information, with the vision of empowering new practices.

It’s a special feeling to encourage people, to tap into their passion and bring out their best. Especially for a good cause.

If this project resonates with you, click here and let’s talk about how we can start yours.