Heart-Led Planning: The University of Sydney

When the team at The University of Sydney approached us, they were in the final stages of an exhaustive research project investigating the quality of support for people living with a disability in regional and remote areas. While the research itself was crucial, the project had no identity. No public communications strategy. No clear pathway to ensure that this critical research would actually reach and connect with the broader public. Our challenge was to take the findings from this important research program and translate them into a campaign that engages the core audience and inspires a movement for change.

The visuals that we developed have an intrinsic connection with the key project artwork created by Billy Kenda. The Heart, Head & Hand graphics become a key motif for the campaign. These graphics have a subtle hand drawn imperfection, again mirroring the key art. The colour palette that we developed for the identity is inspired by the tones of Australia’s regional, rural and remote landscapes. In the digital space, the project has a bold, vibrant and dynamic visual presence. Reflective of the regional and rural areas in focus, and demanding attention for change.

Since launching in late-2023, the Heart-Led Planning platform has seen hundreds of users complete the training modules. Ensuring that this comprehensive research has found connection with key stakeholders that have the power to make a difference to the day-to-day live’s of people living with a disability. Furthermore, the project team have been embracing the product and brand toolkit to deliver engaging presentations to conferences and events around the world. Further, in a National Press Club address, Bill Shorten, Minister for the NDIS, acknowledged critical issues raised by the Heart-Led Planning project.

”From reflecting the colours of the landscape in which our participants live, right through to the need for complete accessibility, the end product is better than we could have hoped for. It has been a pleasure to work with Spicy Web.” — Dr Genevieve Johnsson, University of Sydney