SS68 - Design as Care: A Practice-Based Case Study in Nonprofit Maternal Health Communication
SCURS Disciplines
Fine Arts
Document Type
General Poster
Invited Presentation Choice
Service-Learning — Oral
Abstract
This presentation examines graphic design practice within the context of nonprofit maternal health advocacy through a case study of work developed for #NotUsSC, an organization dedicated to supporting young and expecting mothers of color in addressing disparities in maternal and infant mortality. Operating primarily through digital correspondence, initial project materials often consisted of informal sketches or AI-assisted Canva drafts that required refinement into cohesive, accessible visual communication systems.
This project explores the translation process from preliminary visual concepts into structured design solutions. Particular attention is given to hierarchy, typography, color systems, and tone, especially in relation to emotionally sensitive subject matter. In public health contexts, clarity is not merely aesthetic; it directly affects comprehension, trust, and engagement. The case highlights how intentional visual structure can reduce cognitive load, improve message legibility, and reinforce organizational credibility.
Rather than presenting quantitative outcome data, this work offers a practice-based inquiry into how graphic design functions as a form of care infrastructure within community-focused organizations. By examining design decision-making within real-world constraints, including limited resources, remote collaboration, and culturally responsive messaging. The project situates nonprofit communication design as both persuasive and supportive.
Ultimately, this presentation argues that in maternal health advocacy contexts, graphic design extends beyond branding or promotion. It becomes a tool for dignity, reassurance, and access. Demonstrating the social responsibility embedded in visual communication practice.
Keywords
Graphic Design, Practice-Based Research, Nonprofit, Communication, Public Health Communication, Maternal Health, Advocacy, Community-Engaged Scholarship, Visual Rhetoric, Social Impact, Design
Start Date
10-4-2026 9:30 AM
Location
University Readiness Center Greatroom
End Date
10-4-2026 11:30 AM
SS68 - Design as Care: A Practice-Based Case Study in Nonprofit Maternal Health Communication
University Readiness Center Greatroom
This presentation examines graphic design practice within the context of nonprofit maternal health advocacy through a case study of work developed for #NotUsSC, an organization dedicated to supporting young and expecting mothers of color in addressing disparities in maternal and infant mortality. Operating primarily through digital correspondence, initial project materials often consisted of informal sketches or AI-assisted Canva drafts that required refinement into cohesive, accessible visual communication systems.
This project explores the translation process from preliminary visual concepts into structured design solutions. Particular attention is given to hierarchy, typography, color systems, and tone, especially in relation to emotionally sensitive subject matter. In public health contexts, clarity is not merely aesthetic; it directly affects comprehension, trust, and engagement. The case highlights how intentional visual structure can reduce cognitive load, improve message legibility, and reinforce organizational credibility.
Rather than presenting quantitative outcome data, this work offers a practice-based inquiry into how graphic design functions as a form of care infrastructure within community-focused organizations. By examining design decision-making within real-world constraints, including limited resources, remote collaboration, and culturally responsive messaging. The project situates nonprofit communication design as both persuasive and supportive.
Ultimately, this presentation argues that in maternal health advocacy contexts, graphic design extends beyond branding or promotion. It becomes a tool for dignity, reassurance, and access. Demonstrating the social responsibility embedded in visual communication practice.