Information Design
Old Town Cape
Old Town Cape
Cape Girardeau faces a significant challenge with homelessness, where many individuals are unaware of the valuable resources the city has to offer. Recognizing this gap, I set out to design a solution that could effectively reach those in need, including individuals with low literacy, visual impairments such as color blindness, and other accessibility barriers. To ensure the information was widely accessible, I created a detailed resource map, a poster campaign, and informational brochures aimed at increasing awareness and guiding people to support services.
Cape Girardeau faces a significant challenge with homelessness, where many individuals are unaware of the valuable resources the city has to offer. Recognizing this gap, I set out to design a solution that could effectively reach those in need, including individuals with low literacy, visual impairments such as color blindness, and other accessibility barriers. To ensure the information was widely accessible, I created a detailed resource map, a poster campaign, and informational brochures aimed at increasing awareness and guiding people to support services.
ROLE
Researcher, Designer
EXPERTISE
Visual Design / UX Research
YEAR
2023
ROLE
Researcher, Designer
EXPERTISE
Visual Design / UX Research
YEAR
2023
Information Design
Information Design
Old Town Cape
Cape Girardeau faces a significant challenge with homelessness, where many individuals are unaware of the valuable resources the city has to offer. Recognizing this gap, I set out to design a solution that could effectively reach those in need, including individuals with low literacy, visual impairments such as color blindness, and other accessibility barriers. To ensure the information was widely accessible, I created a detailed resource map, a poster campaign, and informational brochures aimed at increasing awareness and guiding people to support services.
ROLE
Researcher, Designer
EXPERTISE
Visual Design / UX Research
YEAR
2023
01 / 06
Project Overview
Cape Girardeau's homeless population faces real barriers to finding help. Most resources were listed online only, leaving many people without access. This project shifted focus to offline, tech-free solutions that anyone could use.
Cape Girardeau's homeless population faces real barriers to finding help. Most resources were listed online only, leaving many people without access. This project shifted focus to offline, tech-free solutions that anyone could use.
02 / 07
02 / 06
Background
Many residents struggled to find essential services because information lived online. I conducted ethnographic research including field observations and community conversations, which confirmed that digital listings weren't reaching people who needed them most.
Research question: How might we reach our audience in a low-cost, effective way that increases engagement and usability?
Many residents struggled to find essential services because information lived online. I conducted ethnographic research including field observations and community conversations, which confirmed that digital listings weren't reaching people who needed them most.
Research question: How might we reach our audience in a low-cost, effective way that increases engagement and usability?
03 / 06
Ethnographic Research & Mapping
Residents experiencing homelessness couldn't find help because services only existed online. Field observations and community interviews revealed how people actually move through the city and where the system broke down.
Three personas captured the range of needs. Mapping confirmed the core gap: kiosks sat in high-traffic areas but nowhere near actual services, and people moved well beyond the mapped zone.
03 / 07
Ethnographic Research & Mapping
Residents experiencing homelessness couldn't find help because services only existed online. Field observations and community interviews revealed how people actually move through the city and where the system broke down.
Three personas captured the range of needs. Mapping confirmed the core gap: kiosks sat in high-traffic areas but nowhere near actual services, and people moved well beyond the mapped zone.
04 / 06
Initial Concepts
Initial Concepts
Based on these findings, I proposed low-tech, human-centered solutions to enhance accessibility:
Physical Wayfinding Tools: Printed maps and guides placed in shelters, community centers, and kiosks.
Optimized Kiosk Placement: Expanding to high-traffic but underserved locations.
Community Partnerships: Engaging local businesses to serve as information hubs.
Based on these findings, I proposed low-tech, human-centered solutions to enhance accessibility:
Physical Wayfinding Tools: Printed maps and guides placed in shelters, community centers, and kiosks.
Optimized Kiosk Placement: Expanding to high-traffic but underserved locations.
Community Partnerships: Engaging local businesses to serve as information hubs.
04 / 06
04 / 06
Initial Concepts
Based on these findings, I proposed low-tech, human-centered solutions to enhance accessibility:
Physical Wayfinding Tools: Printed maps and guides placed in shelters, community centers, and kiosks.
Optimized Kiosk Placement: Expanding to high-traffic but underserved locations.
Community Partnerships: Engaging local businesses to serve as information hubs.
04 / 06
05 / 06
Design
Design
05 / 06
I started by mapping existing services across Cape Girardeau, including shelters, food distribution, and mental health resources, and grouped them into clear categories. Each category got a distinct color so users could navigate quickly, regardless of literacy level or cognitive ability.
From there I designed a map that tied those resources directly to the city's kiosk locations. Legibility and wayfinding drove every decision: clear landmarks, simple layout, no digital access needed. The result was something anyone could pick up and use.
I started by mapping existing services across Cape Girardeau, including shelters, food distribution, and mental health resources, and grouped them into clear categories. Each category got a distinct color so users could navigate quickly, regardless of literacy level or cognitive ability.
From there I designed a map that tied those resources directly to the city's kiosk locations. Legibility and wayfinding drove every decision: clear landmarks, simple layout, no digital access needed. The result was something anyone could pick up and use.
05 / 06
Design
05 / 06
I started by mapping existing services across Cape Girardeau, including shelters, food distribution, and mental health resources, and grouped them into clear categories. Each category got a distinct color so users could navigate quickly, regardless of literacy level or cognitive ability.
From there I designed a map that tied those resources directly to the city's kiosk locations. Legibility and wayfinding drove every decision: clear landmarks, simple layout, no digital access needed. The result was something anyone could pick up and use.
06 / 06
Launch
Launch
06 / 06
The campaign launched with posters placed in kiosks throughout downtown, targeting areas frequented by the community. The accessible design connected individuals with vital resources and raised awareness about available support.
From there we expanded into flyers, banners, and brochures to reach a broader audience. Diversifying the materials amplified visibility and strengthened the connection between people in need and the support systems available to them.
The campaign launched with posters placed in kiosks throughout downtown, targeting areas frequented by the community. The accessible design connected individuals with vital resources and raised awareness about available support.
From there we expanded into flyers, banners, and brochures to reach a broader audience. Diversifying the materials amplified visibility and strengthened the connection between people in need and the support systems available to them.
06 / 06
Launch
06 / 06
The campaign launched with posters placed in kiosks throughout downtown, targeting areas frequented by the community. The accessible design connected individuals with vital resources and raised awareness about available support.
From there we expanded into flyers, banners, and brochures to reach a broader audience. Diversifying the materials amplified visibility and strengthened the connection between people in need and the support systems available to them.
