During the closure of the ideaLABs due to Covid-19, I helped created content for social media to help promote virtual events. Depicted (above) is a social media post I designed and photographed to highlight women who make during "International Women's Month." In my design, I incorporate both digital and traditional tools to represent difference forms of making. I also arranged objected within a grid and incorporated both neutral and colorful materials to highlight both the fun and professional aspects within the business of making.
The creation of information and promotional material for the ideaLABs during the closure and opening of the community maker space.
Making Connections (Social Media Content)
I also designed and photographed social media content for the "Making Connections" virtual event. The goal of the post was to inspire people to join in making at home projects using tools and materials they had available in their homes. To help inspire different forms of making, I incorporated simple, craft tools and materials (scissors, thread, paper, coloring utensils) along the edges of the post. I also used vibrant colors to emphasize the colorful nature of making.
Maker Meetup
When the ideaLAB spaces first closed to Covid-19, our team started brainstorming different ideas to engage with our local community. One such idea was to hold "Maker Meetups" as a virtual space for people to come together virtually to share what they've been making and get feedback and advice on at-home projects. As one of the team members on these virtual meetups, I designed a flyer to promote the events. As depicted (below), my final design more simply and clearly communicated the times and purpose of the event.
In the design, I incorporated photos of items myself and other ideaLAB associated had made while working at home. I also created a social media sized version of the post for the library to post on Facebook and Instagram pages. To keep a consistent digital footprint, this design format became the promotional "templates" in future promotional ideaLAB iterations (as seen in content below) during the closure of the ideaLAB spaces.
Denver Kids (Promotional Content)
During my time at the ideaLABs, I fostered a relationship with a local community organization, Denver Kids. As a part of this partnership, we hosted two virtual workshops with their students. To help them promote the virtual events, I designed two flyers. Because the small flyer was distributed with their larger e-mail newsletter to generate, I tried to keep it simple yet informational.
Take & Make Kit Template (Informational)
When libraries began to open up to the public, the ideaLABs started creating "Take & Make Kits" for people to get access to materials. While there were written instructions in the kids, we also offered virtual sessions for people to make along with as well. Using the same design style as previous promotional and informational content, I created two templates for other ideaLAB staff to edit to advertise both the kits as well as the virtual workshops. Each flyer was on display in library branched across Denver Public Libraries.
Cardboard Creations (Informational Material)
As a part of my role in the ideaLABs, I also created instructional content for customers to use in the space. Below, is a guide I designed (including image assets) to explain various cardboard connection techniques. My initial design focused (below far left) on simple images and text. After receiving feedback from co-workers, I ultimately designed a full guide for both students and educators. The first page included simple instructions (below, second image on left) while the second two pages (below, right two images) served as a reference guide for educators to help students take the cardboard creations to the next level.
Digital Promise (Informational Material)
While working at the ideaLAB, I applied for and receiDigital Promise Grant Resultsved a $5K grant through Digital Promise to create at-home maker learning opportunities. As a result of this grant, I partnered with two other ideaLAB staff members to design and distribute a kit and workshop around at-home gardening. The goal of the kit and workshop was to make gardening accessible to those in various socio-economic circumstances and backgrounds. Visit our page on Digital Promise to learn more about the process and findings of our greenhouse kits.
Finally, I created a video explaining how to put together the kit I designed. My main role in the kit design was the creation of the laser cut greenhouse pieces (depicted below). I also collaborated with two other ideaLAB co-workers to create the self-watering planter and the background video music.