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RMIT University Communication Design Field Guide
By Sandwich Press, RMIT University
2024 Communication Design Field Guide
[Not For Sale]

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Publication Design: Shuai Shao, Jiayu Cheng, Ruiying Zeng
Client: RMIT University, School of Design
Editors: Dr Nicola St John, Dr Noel Waite, Dr Brad Haylock
Published by RMIT University and Sandwich Press, 2024
Product Photography: Shuai Shao, Jiayu Cheng
Digital Print and Risograph in Medium Blue and Black.

RMIT University Communication Design Field Guide
By Sandwich Press, RMIT University
2024 Communication Design Field Guide

The RMIT Communication Design Field Guide fosters
belonging, empowers diverse creatives & supports students’ confidence
in their first year of University.

RMIT Communication Design Field Guide is a resource designed to motivate students to feel seen and empowered as diverse creatives. This first-time initiative, created by Sandwich Press and led by Dr. Nicola St John, directly responds to students wanting to feel supported and confident as individuals within their first year of University. By providing guidance and promoting inclusivity, the Field Guide creates a supportive environment where students thrive as unique individuals, helping them navigate their academic journey confidently and with a sense of community. This initiative underscores RMIT’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and personal growth.

Design Brief

Starting University for the first time may face new and confusing experiences, and it can be overwhelming, particularly for new students who often feel a lack of belonging. Traditional orientation events typically emphasise administrative details, neglecting to represent students’ identities and personal experiences.

This oversight is especially significant for those from marginalised, underrepresented, and culturally diverse backgrounds. To address this gap, the RMIT School of Design wanted to directly respond to student concerns around not feeling like they belong during their first few weeks. This guide sought to reflect the diverse identities of students and include valuable insights from past students who have navigated their own nerves and anxieties during the first weeks at the university. By incorporating these personal stories and experiences, the Field Guide can provide new students with relatable and reassuring content, helping them feel seen, understood, and supported, regardless of their background.

Design Process

The RMIT Communication Design Field Guide was developed through a meticulous and collaborative design process led by RMIT alumni studio, Sandwich Press. The initiative aimed to address the significant challenge faced by first-year students: feeling disconnected and unsupported during their initial weeks at university. To meet this challenge, the team conducted extensive research, including interviews with current students and teaching staff, to understand students’ needs and experiences. This research informed the creation of a comprehensive and culturally inclusive resource that combines crucial orientation information, student support resources, and personal sharing from students.

The design process included iterative prototyping, testing, and feedback loops to ensure the final product was both effective and engaging. The implementation involved high-quality printing techniques, using recycled paper and soy-based ink to align with sustainability goals. The result is a beautifully crafted publication that includes bilingual components and bonus materials such as posters and a guide to Risograph printing. The Field Guide has been professionally executed and finished, exceeding the design brief by not only providing essential information but also fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among diverse student cohorts.

Design Excellence

The RMIT Communication Design Field Guide exemplifies good design by seamlessly integrating functionality, accessibility, aesthetics, and sustainability. It addresses fundamental design criteria by providing a user-friendly, visually appealing, and culturally sensitive resource that enhances the first-year student experience. The guide’s holistic approach ensures that every aspect, from content organisation to materials choice, contributes to a high-quality user experience. Incorporating personal interviews and tips from staff and students, the guide creates a supportive and inclusive environment, setting a new benchmark for design excellence in educational resources.

The Field Guide goes beyond a traditional publication, embodying a 4-IN-ONE toolkit for students. It includes bonus posters serving as informative tools and decorative elements in student spaces. ”The Beginner’s Guide to Risograph” adds value and practicality. Moreover, incorporating First Nations perspectives, exemplified by place-based protocols such as the Bundjil Statement, fosters respectful engagement with First Nations cultures. Leveraging technology like Risograph printing enhances the aesthetic appeal and aligns with sustainable practices, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and reinforcing its role as a catalyst for community building and empowerment within the Bachelor of Communication Design program.

Design Innovation

The RMIT Communication Design Field Guide is the first publication design initiated to support orientation events in the university’s design community, it showcases innovation by addressing the specific challenge of student disconnection in a creative and original manner. The project stands out for its unique approach to combining essential orientation information with personal stories and practical tips from students. The incorporation of diverse cultural perspectives and bilingual components ensures that all students feel seen and supported. Additionally, the use of Risograph printing and sustainable materials highlights a commitment to eco-conscious design practices.

This innovative project not only solves a legitimate problem but also creates new opportunities for student engagement and community building. The guide’s design encourages students to connect with their peers and the university, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. By addressing the individual needs of students and responding to their circumstances, the Field Guide sets a new standard for student resources in higher education.

Design Impact

The RMIT Communication Design Field Guide has had a profound and lasting impact on the first-year student experience, supporting their transition into university life and promoting a sense of belonging. The guide has been instrumental in enriching students’ experiences by providing essential information, personal stories, and practical tips that help them navigate their new environment. In a survey of first-year students, 98% found the Field Guide useful, and it significantly contributed to their feeling of being welcome, supported, and included.

The project’s commitment to sustainability through the use of recycled paper and soy-based ink demonstrates its positive environmental impact. Additionally, the guide has optimised resource utilisation and inspired new students to join the program, showcasing the commercial benefits of investing in professional design. Socially, the guide has fostered inclusive dialogue and celebrated diversity within the student cohort. By adhering to the principles of a circular economy and promoting eco-conscious design, the Field Guide not only enhances the reputation of Victoria’s design and creative culture but also sets a precedent for inclusive and sustainable design practices in higher education.

Circular/Sustainability Features

The RMIT Communication Design Field Guide exemplifies excellence in circular and sustainable design principles through its thoughtful approach to materials and processes. By using recycled paper and soy-based inks, the guide minimises environmental impact and supports eco-friendly practices. The design prioritises durability and long-term use, encouraging students to keep and refer to the guide throughout their studies, thereby reducing waste. The inclusion of Risograph printing, known for its low-energy consumption and minimal waste production, further enhances its sustainability credentials. Additionally, the guide incorporates First Nations perspectives, emphasising respect for natural systems and cultural heritage.

This commitment to sustainability is not only evident in the materials and processes but also in the guide’s holistic design approach, which integrates educational content, practical tools, and aesthetic appeal. By embodying the principles of a circular economy—designing out waste, minimising materials, and regenerating natural systems—the Field Guide sets a new standard for sustainable design in educational resources, promoting environmental stewardship and responsible design practices within the academic community.

ENQUIRIES
We are open to selected new design commissions.
For new enquiries, please contact Jiayu Cheng
to arrange a 20 min virtual meeting.

CONTACT
Email, Instagram

©Sandwich Press, 2024