SENRR NEWSLETTERSt. Edward’s Newsletter on Reproductive Rights
Why should students feel uninformed and silenced about their opinions on reproductive rights in a state and time where they could be making positive change?
This case study showcases my journey in creating a digital newsletter for St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. This project was not just a design challenge but a social initiative, aiming to inform, engage, and empower students about reproductive rights in a state known for its restrictive laws. My role was to craft a user-centric newsletter that would not only provide crucial information but also foster strong community dialogue and inspire action among students.
Problem Statement
As a designer deeply invested in the power of information design and community engagement, I faced a poignant challenge: How could I help transform the feelings of isolation and disempowerment among students into a cohesive and active dialogue? Many students at St. Edward's felt uninformed and voiceless regarding the stringent reproductive laws in Texas—affecting their fundamental freedoms and ability to advocate for change.
Design Goals
Inform: Provide clear, accessible information about the current state of reproductive rights in Texas.
Engage: Create interactive elements to foster community discussions and personal expression.
Empower: Encourage active participation and advocacy through up-to-date news, legal updates, and resources.
User Research
Through surveys and direct engagement with the student body, it became clear that 96.5% of students felt their opinions were ignored by state legislation. This overwhelming response underscored the necessity for a platform that not only disseminated information but also amplified student voices. The research phase involved empathetic design practices, focusing on understanding the emotional and practical needs of the students.
Design Process
I approached the design with a focus on clarity, accessibility, and community. Utilizing Figma, I developed a prototype that was both intuitive and engaging. Here are key elements I incorporated:
User Interface: Clean, navigable interface with responsive design to ensure accessibility on multiple devices.
Content Layout: Segmented content areas for news updates, legal insights, and community feedback to keep information organized and digestible.
Interactive Features: Polls, forums, and feedback modules to keep the community engaged and active.
Prototype Development
View the newsletter prototype here.
This clickable prototype was developed to test the usability and effectiveness of the design. It includes examples of interactive content and navigation that would allow users to access various sections such as news, resources, and forums dedicated to reproductive rights discussions.
Outcome and Impact
The newsletter was launched as a digital platform directly accessible to all students via the university’s intranet and an email subscription service. Immediate feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with an increase in campus-wide discussions and participation in advocacy efforts. The newsletter has become a vital resource, particularly appreciated for its comprehensive legal updates and community support resources.
Reflection
This project was a profound learning experience that highlighted the importance of design in social contexts. It was not just about aesthetic appeal but creating a meaningful impact through user-centered design. The challenge of aligning the design with diverse user expectations taught me the importance of continuous user feedback and iterative design processes.
Future Directions
Moving forward, I plan to incorporate more personalized content delivery and enhanced interactivity based on user behavior and preferences. The aim is to ensure that the newsletter not only informs and engages but also adapts to the evolving needs of its readers.
Prototype Development