Feb 25
The Igniter Who Designs for Change
posted by Abigail Simmons on February 25, 2014
There’s no doubt that humans are extremely visual beings. After all, we carry 70% of our sensory receptors in our eyes! There are numerous reasons why we are inclined to the photo oriented side of social media, and in 2014 there is a predicted rise in image-centric networks that use more photos amongst text based content.
Our graphic designer at Fission, Martha Ormiston, understands this. Martha is a Fission igniter who employs her ability to combine text and design in a way that powerfully illustrates the message and drives people to action. This is an integral part in mobilizing the supporters of our client’s causes. The designs in our client’s campaigns are often the catalyst in a chain reaction that changes the world for the better. I loved hearing from Martha about some of the latest trends in visual graphics and how Fission will use them in 2014.
Prior to becoming an igniter, Martha had worked to design e-commerce sites that often followed a template approach in layout and functionality. Just as graphic design trends are dynamic and constantly changing to fit new ways of visual storytelling, so were Martha’s interests! This desire to create designs that made a difference eventually led her to Fission.
Martha shared with me her passion for using her artistic background and creativity to build amazing designs for our clients. She enjoys the opportunity to work with unique and diverse clients, and being able to use her artistic background and creativity fulfills her. No longer does she need to use the same formula for every task, and she can easily integrate her work with new movements in both the design and nonprofit worlds.
Some of these new design trends that Martha uses at Fission do much more than just sent a message. They are interactive, and create a moment of wonder, discovery, and deep engagement with the user. One example is the use of infographics. They are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to display information in marketing and campaigns, and Martha has been able to use them for numerous campaigns, including our work with NAACP-LDF. Other designs ensure that people are moved to sign up and take action. See below for some great designs!
One of the coolest design trends Martha wants to use in 2014 is parallax scrolling. This is a new use of interactive web design that really grabs a visitor’s attention and requires them to interact with the web browser in order to reveal information, pictures, and movement. A recent article of predictions for graphic design trends for 2014 shared quotes from some of the best designers around the globe, and many mentioned the trends that Martha was most excited about using and refining.
The rise of parallax scrolling last year was joined by the popularity of trends such as flat design and the use of photography that looks similar to edited images on Instagram. In 2014 it is expected that we’ll see an even greater rise in the use of video in web design that has content tailored to tell stories in mobile app designs.
As Fission uses the latest design trends, our campaigns continue to create social change for good. Are you currently in need of some cutting edge designs for your nonprofit? Check out more of Fission’s amazing graphics and the work they have done! Let us work with you on your next campaign!