Case Study
Distilling Complexity into Clarity for AERDF
AERDF is a long-term client of Kazmar Creative. They focus on closing education funding gaps through collaboration. For this project, they needed an infographic to convey their funding model to stakeholders, funders, and the community.
The Challenge
AERDF had been using a modified version of a DARPA graphic to explain their approach to overcoming funding gaps in the education sector. However, the DARPA graphic was not a perfect fit and failed to capture the nuances of AERDF's goals. They needed a custom solution that would not only be visually engaging but also accurately represent their unique approach.
My Role in the Project
As the lead designer and creative consultant for this AERDF project, my role was multifaceted, covering everything from concept to execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning: Crafted the strategy for the infographic, aligning it with AERDF's mission and goals.
- Design & Content Creation: Developed multiple infographic iterations, ensuring clarity and impact.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Served as the single point of contact for AERDF, consolidating feedback into actionable design changes.
Tools and Technologies:
- Adobe Creative Suite for design
- Various communication platforms for stakeholder engagement
Team Collaboration:
Collaborated closely with a client representative who gathered and synthesized stakeholder feedback, enabling us to refine the infographic effectively. By leading this project from both a creative and strategic angle, I helped AERDF articulate their unique approach to education funding, thereby aiding them in securing future partnerships and funding.
The Process
Stakeholder Involvement
I worked closely with a single client representative who was responsible for gathering feedback from various departments within AERDF. Our weekly 30-minute check-ins were crucial for incorporating this complex feedback into the evolving design.
Design Choices
The design had to align with AERDF's existing color palette and style guide. The final infographic was broken down into three key illustrations that built upon each other to tell a compelling narrative.
Feedback Loops
The project underwent several significant pivots, guided by pointed questions and quick sketches. This iterative process allowed us to move away from the initial DARPA-inspired concept to a more tailored solution for AERDF.
The Outcome
The final infographic has been instrumental in AERDF's funding meetings and is used to explain their unique approach to program directors. While I don't have specific metrics, the client has reported that the infographic is meeting its intended goals effectively.
Lessons Learned
The project highlighted the importance of flexibility and rapid iteration in design. Quick sketches and real-time feedback loops were key to keeping the project on track and within budget.
Future Applications
This infographic is part of a larger branding initiative for AERDF, and I continue to work with them on various projects that contribute to their overall brand persona.
Testimonial from AERDF
Chris Liang
Chief Learning Officer, AERDF
Founder, World Class Education
Driven, creative, smart, strategic, and no ego (yes, all of those), Tricia is my go-to person for project after project. She is thoughtful and has a real sense of how to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand graphics. She delivers not just one strong concept, but several that are all different and on target. Tricia is a big thinker who can execute down to the pixel: I recommend her.