Introduction
Climate change is having a profound impact on air quality, with increases in wildfires, temperature, and humidity leading to poorer air quality and more frequent air pollution events. Indigenous communities are on the frontlines of these impacts, facing disproportionate effects on their health, cultures, and ways of life. I was tasked with the graphic design for a toolkit focused on air quality and climate change to support these communities.
Understanding the Community
I conducted interviews, and community visits to understand the unique experiences, knowledge, and needs of Indigenous Peoples related to air quality and climate change.
Key Insights
My research revealed several key insights that would guide the graphic design:
Importance of Cultural Relevance: Any visual elements would need to be deeply respectful and reflective of Indigenous cultures and worldviews.
Need for Clarity and Simplicity: Given the complexity of air quality and climate change information, clear and simple graphics would be essential for easy understanding.
Vital Role of Visual Storytelling: Indigenous cultures place a strong emphasis on storytelling. I would need to use graphics to tell stories about air quality, climate change, and community resilience.
Adaptability: The toolkit would need to be used in a variety of settings, from urban centers to remote communities. Graphics would need to be adaptable to different contexts and uses.
Graphic Design Approach
With these insights in mind, I developed a graphic design approach centered on the following principles:
Cultural Relevance: I collaborated with community members to develop visual elements that respectfully reflect Indigenous cultures and symbolism.
Clarity and Simplicity: I used simple, bold graphics and clear typography to convey complex information in an easy-to-understand manner.
Visual Storytelling: I created infographics and illustrations that tell stories about the impacts of climate change on air quality, community health, and traditional ways of life.
Adaptability: I designed graphics to be adaptable to different formats, from print materials to digital screens, and to be accessible in low-bandwidth settings.
Toolkit Components
The toolkit includes the following components:
Air Quality and Climate Change Primer: An introduction to air quality, climate change, and their interconnectedness. Graphics illustrate key concepts, such as the carbon cycle and how climate change exacerbates air pollution.
Community Air Quality Monitoring: A module that guides communities in establishing their own air quality monitoring systems. Infographics explain how to use monitoring equipment and interpret data.
Health and Mitigation: A section that provides information on the health impacts of poor air quality and strategies for mitigation. Illustrations show how to create homemade air purifiers and practice safe behaviors during poor air quality days.
Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Resilience: A component that highlights Indigenous knowledge and practices related to climate resilience. Visual storytelling elements share stories of communities adapting to climate change and protecting air quality.
Pilot Testing and Feedback
The toolkit was pilot tested in several Indigenous communities. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with community members expressing appreciation for the culturally relevant and easy-to-understand graphics. The toolkit was found to increase knowledge and awareness of air quality and climate change, improve mitigation practices, and enhance community pride and resilience.
Conclusion
The graphic design of the air quality and climate change toolkit plays a vital role in its effectiveness and acceptability in Indigenous communities. By centering cultural relevance, clarity, visual storytelling, and adaptability, I was able to create a toolkit that not only educates but empowers communities to take action on air quality and climate change.
Recommendations
Co-Design with Communities: Continue to co-design the toolkit with Indigenous communities to ensure ongoing cultural relevance and effectiveness.
Evaluate and Refine: Conduct ongoing evaluation and refinement of the toolkit to ensure it meets the evolving needs of Indigenous communities in the face of climate change.
