Using Design as a powerful tool for social causes
I enrolled in a free online course that was an Introduction to History of Graphic Design and that’s where I got the idea to write about social causes in design.
The last subject of the course and the one that pleased me the most was about Design and Civil Rights.
People normally think about Design when they buy products or browse through the web but they curiously they never seem to think about it when they see the LGBT flag. But what is one of the most recognizable symbols nowadays was once designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978.
Of course, we love breathtaking packaging, great adds, and beautiful logos but is it there anything more meaningful than using Design for social causes? I don’t think so. These are the ones that inspire me the most and make me wanna be a professional designer. I smile when I see a great example of design applied to social causes.
Great Design for a greater social cause
Look at the flag and at the “Future is Female” t-shirt that recently reemerged from the 70s. Those are great pieces of design. They don’t represent brands or big companies; they are statements that were designed to go against prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance.
You might not agree with what they represent but you recognize them anyway.
Another great and (more recent) example is the new brand identity of Brighton Women’s Centre, designed by Baxter and Bailey.
BWC is an organization that helps women to live happier lives by overcoming all sorts of problems. Everything from trauma to abuse, discrimination, criminal background, and homelessness.
Baxter and Bailey took a bright color — yellow — and combine it with black and white to highlight their work and injustice against women.
The result is stunning. It looks so simple and easy to read yet so powerful.
I guess that’s how great design looks like.
I can’t wait to see the new website launched and everything put together in context.
By the way: does anyone know if they will be selling those t-shirts? I would love to support BWC and wear one with pride!
