Current climate: adaptive approaches to communicating Minnesota's climate challenges through graphic design

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most complex challenges facing our planet and species. The sheer number of challenges it creates to can be overwhelming. The communication about issues caused by climate change is often too complex or too general to be understood by people in a meaningful way. This project addresses these issues by creating adaptive approaches to communicating such climate challenges through the use of accessible and provocative graphic design. The graphics are made accessible by focusing on localized issues. The graphics are informed and influenced by climate science, global warming literature, qualitative interviews with designers, and a survey of existing climate change focused graphic design. The project utilizes action research and iterative design methods. Along with this research, the interviews with practicing graphic designers shaped the scope of the project to be more specific and focused on Minnesota climate issues. The graphics were reviewed and refined through several iterations, which resulted in a poster series that helps bridge the gap between graphic design and climate science. Through dissemination at a public gallery exhibition the graphics received positive feedback and comments. Understanding climate change can be made easier by communicating relevant issues through the use of provocative graphics.