2017 April Edition -flipbook

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I 11
Nonprofits have compelling stories to tell.
As a creative firm, we do design work for
nonprofits to help them tell their tales. We like
to listen to these stories and figure out how
to convey them in a way that can be easily
understood and amplified. Our end product
channels these ideas, allowing the audience to
be emotionally engaged and to take action.
So how do you tell a compelling story through
design? You can find stories everywhere, but
the most compelling ones will move you
emotionally. Every nonprofit we’ve worked
with is driven by a cause, has shocking statistics
to share, or has a sincere desire to change
conditions for the better. Their brand stewards
should ask these questions at the outset of any
project:
1. How do you make people care about your
cause’s story?
2. How can you make it easy for them to
become engaged and mobilized?
3. How can you keep it simple and accessible?
Answering these questions with your internal
marketing and external design teams will help
capture initial ideas.Then step back and leave it
to the designers to craft a solution.
There are a few key factors that guarantee the
success and effectiveness of your design project.
Clear communications and a willingness to
collaborate should top your list. Successful
projects are created collaboratively without
stepping on anyone’s toes.
These steps should be kept in mind as you’re
planning your design project:
1. Planning
Define objectives and stakeholders
Get organized
Have realistic expectations
Write a solid creative brief
2. Production
Engage a design firm
Manage the review and approval process
Launch the project
Define Objectives and Stakeholders
Everyone has a different definition of what
success means. It’s important to include all
stakeholders early in the creative process,
allowing everyone the opportunity to influence
the outcome of your project.Many organizations
we have worked with have a board of trustees,
making it non-elective to include everyone’s
thoughts as you define the overall objectives.
Informing your designer of potential challenges
with specific stakeholders can often help avoid
problems getting buy-ins further down the road.
Making People Care
Crafting Effective Design
JOHN KUDOS
Design Corner