Hakini arabi
Project consultant:
DISCOVERY, strategic planning, ideation, process development, design
Project Principle: Nadine Afiouni
Heritage languages are an integral part in the identity construct of second-generation teens of immigrant parents. Nadine Afiouni explored strengthening this heritage language through the creation of a Lebanese Arabic language learning application tailored to teaching the heritage learner the intricacies of a complex language while connecting them to the culture and its many facets.
The title of the application HAKINI ARABI is an Arabic phrase that means “Talk to me in Arabic” and is typically reflective of a Lebanese dialect that is common among immigrant families living within the Lebanese Diaspora.
The app gamified both written and spoken language modules. Observational testing was performed at each stage of development. A full prototype was developed.
30 days on route 30
Project consultant:
DISCOVERY, strategic planning, ideation, process development, design
Project Principle: Emily Kunz
After six years in the Baltimore-Washington area, Emily and her husband moved to Davis, California. Taking a month to make the trip, they traveled the entirety of US Route 30 starting in Atlantic City, NJ and ending in Astoria, Oregon. The goal of the project was to create a documentary of Route 30 through a personal lens. Using audio, video, and written content, the documentary explores the value of nostalgia and importance of Americana in today’s cultural landscape.
ACCESS SAO PAULO
PROJECT CONSULTAnt:
DISCOVERY, strategic planning, ideation, process development, design
YPFP
PROJECT CONSULTAnt:
DISCOVERY, strategic planning, ideation, process development, design
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy is a 20,000-member non-profit organization addressing global challenges through foreign policy discussions focused on nonpartisan, multinational solutions. In 2017, the organization published an online journal with almost 200 articles. As well, they hosted almost 200 educational events in many countries, had a fellows program, and sponsored more than 100 refugee families. Having grown to a large global organization from a small D.C. group, YPFP came to the team with a desire to appeal to a broader audience.
In discovery, the team identified: numerous logo variations, 33 social media channels, and a 426 page website. Recommendations included brand definition, a streamlining of the visual identity, website redesign and a new social media strategy.
In order to appeal to a broader audience, the team recommended a name change to YPFP. The acronym was commonly used in both written and oral communication throughout the organization. Formally adopting the new name eliminated both “young” as a direct identifier of the organization. Members of the organization ranged extensively in age. Mission, vision, and core values were developed and written. The team created a new brand identity, logo and brand guidelines. Recommendations were made for a website redesign and social media strategy.
Santa Claus anonymous
project CONSULTAnt:
DISCOVERY, strategic planning, ideation, process development, design
Santa Claus Anonymous is a volunteer non-profit organization, founded in 1934 by former Baltimore mayor Theodore R. McKeldin. The organization purchases and distributes gift certificates to enable families to give, receive and share Christmas gifts. The gift certificates allow families to purchase gifts prior to the holidays. The organization is currently declining with donations down to approximately $275,000 for the past several years. According to the Baltimore Sun, Santa Claus Anonymous “mailed roughly 15,000 gift certificates to Maryland families [in 2013] — well short of its annual goal of 30,000.”
The president of the non-profit asked for help in developing strategies to revitalize the organization. Three groups were formed and given free-range to develop plans. After research, the groups recommended strategies for the redemption process, fund-raising, usability and branding. Each of the proposals can be accessed through the logos above.