“Design as Conversation”

     Design is everywhere. And now, more than ever, it is taking on new forms all around us. For example, we saw a great rise in campaigns using design to speak to the public- design as conversation. 

     It all began with the LIVESTRONG bracelet. A yellow silicone gel bracelet launched in May 2004 as a fund-raising item for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The bracelet is part of the "Wear Yellow Live Strong" educational program. The program is intended to raise money for cancer research, raise cancer awareness, and encourage people to live life to the fullest. The band became a popular fashion item in the United States by the end of the summer of 2004, and soon after gained popularity worldwide. Other charities were inspired by the success of the LIVESTRONG band, and many developed their own bracelets for raising money and awareness.

     Then there was (PRODUCT)RED, which was founded in 2006 by U2 frontman and activist, Bono. It is a brand licensed to partner companies such as Nike, American Express, Apple, Starbucks, Converse, GAP, etc. to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Each partner company creates a product with the Product Red logo. In return for the opportunity to increase its own revenue through the Product Red products that it sells, a percentage of the profit is given to the Global Fund.

     Fast forwarding through numerous other wonderful foundations and  campaigns, we come to the NOH8 Campaign.

     On November 4, 2008 Proposition 8 passed in California, amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The defeat provoked a groundswell of initiative within the GLBT community at a grassroots level, with many new political and protest organizations being formed in response. The NOH8 Campaign is a silent protest photo project against California Proposition 8. The campaign features photographs portraying people in front of a white backdrop wearing white t-shirts, their mouths duct taped shut and "NOH8" painted on their cheek. The campaign was created on February 1, 2009 by photographer Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley. Nearly two years since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 5,500 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more. The photo are also available for purchase, with proceeds going towards the organization for awareness.