Over the years Michelle has won awards and commendations for her design and creative work. Some of these awards have been received while she was employed as creative director/graphic designer on these products and some were received while she was working on freelance projects with her clients.
In particular, Michelle values her contribution to Green Cross Australia. The app that was created for kids between 8 and 12 years of age was unique and innovative. It helped educate kids how small changes they make in daily life (ie. walk to the shops instead of driving; turning lights off when you leave a room etc) can positively impact the environment.
The stories received from the kids were heartwarming and delightful. This product seemed to make a genuine difference and that was a fabulous experience.
The app was also the very first Australian educational iPad magazine and was so successful that Michelle was recognised and honoured by Adobe California, USA. The app was featured on Adobe’s Digital Publishing Gallery blog and at their Design Centre for originality, superior design and functionality, high engagement and stellar animations. Adobe used it as a ‘prototype’ to showcase it to their educational clients and show them the possibilities.
Here are excerpts from the interview by Adobe
“Simply Relevant Design Studio is a Sydney-based design firm that uses art and design to empower people, businesses, and communities. A key part of the firm’s business model involves creating simple, relevant but innovative solutions for non-profits and charities. One such organization is Green Cross Australia, which has been a valued client of Simply Relevant Design Studio since 2009.
The iPad app is right at the cutting edge of digital communications, with playful features that allow students to interact and learn at the same time. Scrollable frames help to save space while enabling students to swipe and tap to reveal information. Image sequences help to tell a story, without taking up valuable screen real estate. The ability to integrate videos creates a richer and deeper experience for program participants, helping to inspire, motivate, and encourage them about topics such as climate change and energy efficiency. Students can log actions they take, tweet comments, and share stories about their projects on a digital map.
Digital diary delivers
As part of the Green Lane Diary program, students can create a Green Scrapbook and even win prizes. Student entries and experiences are fascinating and include activities such as turning off lights and televisions, cleaning up rubbish, and closing the fridge. Students demonstrate how they’ve learned to treat waste more responsibly, including no longer dumping food leftovers into a landfill. It has become unpopular to purchase plastic water bottles, and students have learned just how precious water is.
Green Cross hopes to reach 200,000 primary school students within five years with the Green Lane Diary program. While the cost structure of doing that with print is a limiting factor, the digital edition offers a solution that is affordable and engaging.
For the full article, please contact Michelle.