Nov
04
ACTION
“We envision a select group of 60 designers, change leaders, NGOs,
foundations and experts coming together to engage actively in
opportunities to demonstrate design thinking in crafting solutions
for large social problems, as well as to use existing networks and
programs to accelerate change.”
The impressive list of attendees of the Aspen Design Summit next week will be collaborating to come up with design solutions and create concrete two-year implementation plans for 5-6 new projects. The themes include poverty, health care and education and collaborating organizations include UNICEF, the Mayo Clinic, and the Center for Disease Control. The Summit will include considerable dialogue and discussion of role of the design industry in leading social change initiatives. The goals of the event are ambitious and promising, and I wish I could be there. Hopefully its outcomes will be visible in the near future.
Learn more about the Aspen Design Summit »
Nov
04
ACTION / INSPIRATION
Transforming World-Changing Ideas Into Action.
“The PopTech Accelerator facilitates interdisciplinary,
world-changing projects that use new tools and embody
new approaches to significant global challenges.”
PopTech Accelerator has taken an active leap in the creative use of technology to help discover solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. I am very inspired by their collaborative approach and definitely looking forward to seeing the outcome of their projects. Hopefully other innovative thinkers can gain insight from PopTech’s approach to process, and we will start seeing more projects transforming world-changing ideas into action in the near future.
Learn more about PopTech Accelerator »
Project Masiluleke
PopTech Accelerator’s first project, Masiluleke (”helping hand” in Zulu), recently launched it’s first phase in October by sending out 1 million text messages. The project’s goal is to fight the HIV epidemic in Africa through innovative mobile technology and software. The intial focus is on KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, where HIV+ rates are some of the highest in the world. They plan to eventually spread the program throughout Africa. Project Masiluleke is a collaboration of frog design, Pop!tech, iTeach, Praekelt, Aricent, Nokia Siemens and others.
Learn more about Project Masiluleke »
Nov
03
CULTURE / INSPIRATION
During a recent trip to France I was drawn into design inspiration on every street corner. The artistry and attention to detail were exquisite, as well as warm color palletes, beautiful typography, and organic illustrations. Many pieces were decorated with subtle handcrafted nuances, which provided additional charm. Here are a few of my snapshots.
Nov
02
BOOKS/FILM
Pledge $50 by November 5th in order to preorder the new book “Designing Obama” by Scott Thomas, The Design Director of the Obama campaign. The beautiful design of Obama’s campaign was very unique in the political world, and will surely go down in history. This 360 page hardcover book chronicles the journey of the succesful campaign. Learn more »
Nov
02
ACTION
Go Pro-Bono.
This is an era of meaningful actions, helping others, and contributing to make the world a better place. With organizations popping up such as the Taproot Foundation, volunteer design work is becoming more organized and more common. A strong online presence is an integral component for non-profits with ongoing fundraising campaigns, and many organizations are lacking in this area. There is a high demand for professional high-quality design services at a free or very inexpensive price.
Why Pro-Bono Is Worth It.
You are Making a Difference
You’re contributing to an important cause and acknowledging it’s important. If every creative professional completed one pro-bono project, the non-profit world might receive the recognition and resources they deserve. It is integral for non-profits to employ strategic marketing methods in order to be successful in this highly technological era. They will never have the means to pay a high-end firm to do this, therefore they desperately need you .
It Feels Good
Pro-bono work can be some of the most fulfilling projects of your career. You will likely feel passionate about the work and it always feels good to help something in need. You will feel useful and very appreciated.
You Can Do It From Home
For many people, they don’t have any extra blocks of time to schedule more activities. However, they might be able to fit in an hour here and there. Pro-bono is flexible. Make it happen wherever you can fit it in.
It Feeds Creativity
Many organizations give you complete creative liberties as they feel anything is better than what they currently have. This freedom can allow for inspiring and cutting-edge work. It also can be invigorating if your day job is draining your creativity.
You Make Great Connections
Many people in the non-profit world are passionate and inspiring. Get to know them.
Get Started.
- Well-organized pro-bono placement organization.
- Managed like a typical agency project.
- Work with a diverse team of professionals.
- Schedule and time-line management.
- I’ve had great experiences with Taproot.
- Lists hundreds of non-profits around the world.
- You can search in your community or work virtually.
- Search for keywords ‘graphic design’ or ‘web design’ to find loads of organizations in need.
- I‘ve also had good experiences with Idealist.
- Listings of non-profits in particular need of design skills and/or projects.
- There are a ton of projects listed here for a wide variety of skill sets.
- Great portal for social design inspiration and networking.
- Projects for involvement listed under ‘Act’.
Or contact any non-profit of interest. I bet they need you.
Stay tuned for a follow-up article containing Valuable Advice for Pro-Bono Success.
