Phase 1: Preliminary ideation
To begin, ideation was done surrounding the visual tone of the conference's materials. In order to reflect the against-the-status-quo nature of the conference, the visual elements are bold and vibrant. The use of energetic colors and chunky type is contradictory to the normally formal, melancholy nature of work in the same genre.
Preliminary Ideation
Phase 2: Establishing a system
In order to create a cohesive look across conference materials, an underlying 'grid' system was established. After several rounds of development, a diagonal grid with a strong, horizontal header was established.
Experimentation 1
Experimentation 2
Experimentation 3
Final Grid
Phase 3: From Ideation to Application
The results from phases 1 and 2 are combined in their own process to develop the final combination of grid system + visuals. In this process, the concept of the diagonal system is carried throughout, as well as the emphasis on bold, vibrant energy.
Refinement 1
Refinement 2
Continued Ideation
Semi-Final System and Appearance
Final Deliverables
Branding palette:
Final palette showing branding elements such as type, grid, color, and graphic elements.
The color palette is vibrant and bold, exemplifying the nature of the conference against the typical narrative of disability as tragedy.
Graphic elements are an extension of the color palette. As abstract, yet poppy shapes, they convey a sense of pride and a desire to be seen, reflecting the values of the conference. Throughout conference materials a consistent grid can be determined. This grid uses strong horizontal rows to define the most important information, with an engaging diagonal sweeping across compositions in order to create a dynamic balance.
Branding Palette
Promotional Poster:
Here, the main promotional poster is displayed on the wall of the bottom floor at the Oregon Convention Center. At the OCC, most people seeing the poster are there for other events or matters, and see the poster next to others of upcoming events.
Promotional Poster
Digital Promotions:
The conference is promoted digitally via email by AWP, and by Instagram. It’s likely that most attendees are of a younger (millennial) demographic, and thus, Instagram is used to promote the event through social media. The conference could also be promoted via X (Twitter) or Facebook. By email, promotions are sent out to everyone on AWP’s email list.
Digital Promotions
Conference Posters:
At the event itself, there is an event schedule poster (left) and session schedule posters (right). The posters are located at the entrances of the Oregon Convention Center, as well as on the second floor where the rooms for the sessions’ panels are located. The event schedule poster lays out the day’s schedule in a clear, concise format. The session posters describe each panel, who will be speaking at it, and the room location.
Conference Posters
Way-finding signs:
The first sign is outside each room. The sign states the room number in large text for easy visibility. Second, the two panels that are happening in that room during the day are listed at the top, as well as their times and speakers.
The second sign is a more basic, directional sign. This sign is located in one of the hallways at the OCC and directs conference goers to the nearest restroom. The sign format and design is part of a larger system of basic, directional signs pointing attendees to the stairs/elevators, parking garage, main ballroom, etc.
Way-Finding Signs
Conference Program:
The conference program starts with a general overview, before moving into the session schedules, then to a featured article about the conference’s keynote speaker, and finally, a thank you page for the sponsors and a venue map. The program is included in the complimentary tote bag (seen on the next page) when attendees check in for the event. Attendees read through the program before the start time of 9am, and throughout the opening remarks and time for coffee and donuts. It is also intended to be a quick reference resource for attendees throughout the day to easily view the schedule and venue map.
Conference Badges and SWAG:
When attendees check in they receive a few items. First, they receive their name badge. Regular attendees will receive a blue-themed badge, and conference speakers and staff will receive a pink-themed badge.
Next, attendees will receive the previously mentioned tote bag that contains a copy of the conference program in addition to a notebook that they can use to jot down notes throughout the day and continue to use after the conference. The tote bag also serves as a ‘catch-all’ for attendees belongings that they may not want to carry throughout the day and for any other complimentary items that are handed out at the panels.
Badges
Notebook
