Project Prompt
For this project, I had to design two informational posters representing my topic. It needed to engage and have the ability to get attention; It aimed to communicate a convincing argument by breaking down complex concepts and presenting them through a visual style that would resonate with the intended audience. The goal was to draw viewers in, directly connecting to the content or inviting them to explore the issue more deeply.
My Topic
The topic I got was gender inequality in the workplace, a pervasive issue that affects employees and company culture on multiple levels. Despite progress toward gender equality, women often face unequal pay, limited opportunities for advancement, and discrimination. By shedding light on these inequalities, my project aims to increase awareness and drive many conversations about creating fairer, more equitable workplaces where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
Research
My Research on this topic highlights persistent problems in pay, promotions, and job opportunities between men and women. Both Afghanistan and Iceland were my choice of countries because of their contrasting audiences that highlight the global spectrum of gender inequality in the workplace. Afghanistan, where women ace significant cultural and structural barriers, In contrast, Iceland has consistently ranked as one of the most gender-equal countries, making it a valuable example of the positive outcomes of workplace equality. By showing both sides, my posters aim to underscore the universal importance of gender equity.
Moodboards
Afghanistan Moodboard
Iceland Moodboard
After doing my research and mood boards I learned that Afghanistan faces significant gender inequality in the workplace due to cultural, legal, and societal barriers that restrict women's access to education, employment, and leadership, exacerbated by recent government policies. In contrast, Iceland stands as a global leader in gender equality, with strong legislative measures like mandatory equal pay laws and a consistent top ranking on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, demonstrating how robust policies and societal commitment can foster workplace equity. This helped me greatly in the creation of the poster by focusing on ways that I could showcase the importance of gender equality.
Sketches
My Typefaces Choice
Garamond
Neuziet Grotest
I chose Garamond for the headers because its elegant, classic serif design conveys a sense of tradition and authority, which helps establish a strong, respectful tone when addressing the important issue of gender equality in Afghanistan. For the body copy, I opted for Neuzeit Grotesk due to its clean, modern sans-serif style, which offers readability and a contemporary feel. The contrast between the two typefaces creates a visual balance, with Garamond drawing attention to key messages and Neuzeit Grotesk providing an accessible reading experience for the audience.
Color Choices
Navy Blue, Hex: 2A3A52
Forest Green, Hex: 99A779
Cream, Hex: F3F1E0
For the Afghanistan poster, I wanted to choose a palette that balances somber and hopeful tones, reflecting the complexity of the topic. The deep blue-gray (#2A3A52) brings a sense of seriousness, setting a strong foundation that hints at resilience. The muted green (#99A779) introduces a natural, grounded feel, suggesting growth and potential within the challenging context. The soft off-white (#F3F1E0) adds lightness and contrast, ensuring readability while symbolizing a path toward clarity and peace. Together, these colors create a cohesive and meaningful aesthetic that aligns with the poster’s message.
Cream, Hex: f8eadf
Cyan, Hex: 0a4f5c
Coral, Hex: f26f63
For the Iceland poster I the combination of Cream, teal, and coral as the main colors of the entire poster. Cream serves as a neutral background for the information, allowing the teal and coral to stand out without overwhelming the viewer. Teal evokes feelings of balance, calm, and trust, aligning well with the theme of equality, while coral adds a touch of warmth, energy, and optimism, symbolizing progress and positive change.
Early Digital Designs
Early design for the Afghanistan poster
Early designs for the infographics
Early illustration for the Iceland poster
Early Iterations
On my peer feedback, one of the main things I got out of it was the alignment issues with the poster. After that feedback, I made it my goal to fix all the alignment issues that were present while also making sure the illustrations were successful. I focused on creating a cleaner and more structured layout to enhance readability and visual appeal. Additionally, I reviewed the color palette, typography, and overall balance to ensure all elements complemented each other and aligned with the intended message. This process helped me refine the design and make it more polished and cohesive for my audience.
Final Designs
Afghanistan Final Poster
Iceland Final Poster
Following the final designs of both posters, I reflected on the decisions made throughout this project to effectively reach the intended audiences. For the Afghanistan poster, I prioritized using traditional and culturally relevant colors to create a connection with the audience, emphasizing how gender equality can strengthen family bonds. In contrast, for the Iceland poster, I opted for a simpler layout to highlight the positive outcomes of gender equality, such as improved health and a happier society, underscoring the importance of promoting it globally. Both posters incorporate icons and statistics to communicate the benefits of workplace equality, ensuring the message is visually compelling and accessible.
Mockups
Project Reflection
Creating these posters taught me the value of culturally responsive design and the power of visual storytelling in promoting social issues. By designing each poster for Afghanistan and Iceland’s unique cultural contexts, I was able to convey the benefits of gender equality in a way that resonates with each audience. This project challenged me to blend research, design skills, and cultural understanding, making sure each visual element supported the message authentically.
One thing I learned in this project was the importance of adaptability in design, as well as how to present visuals and messages to resonate with audiences. I learned how to apply all of my feedback to the actual poster and how important is to think if the design will work before actually doing it. Overall, this experience deepened my appreciation for how design can bridge diverse perspectives and communicate universal values effectively
