Garryowen CDP is focused on driving sustainable change within the community and aspire to transform into a dynamic creative hub, celebrating their community’s diversity.
Understand
Driving Sustainable Change in a Diverse Community
Garryowen Community Development Project (CDP) has long been a cornerstone of Garryowen, fostering a sense of community through diverse events and activities. The CDP recognized the need to modernize, aiming to better connect with younger generations and local leaders, and to reflect the vibrant and dynamic community they serve.
Define
Creating a Hub for Connection and Growth
Creating a Hub for Connection and Growth
The challenge was clear: Garryowen CDP needed to transition from a traditional community center to a dynamic creative hub. Through conversations with locals, it became evident that people wanted a space that felt more inclusive, accessible, and connected to the digital age. The new identity had to celebrate diversity while promoting sustainability, creativity, and wellbeing.
Create
I set out to design an identity that interwove the community's core values—collaboration, culture, and sustainability. Inspired by the radiant energy and positive spirit of Garryowen, I crafted a new brand that reflected a holistic approach to community engagement, where everything is connected. The color palette reflects Garryowen’s roots with shades of green, symbolizing growth. Alongside the new identity, I developed the GCDP app, a social platform connecting users through groups, events, and chats.
Prototype
Creating a seamless community experience
After multiple task flow iterations, visual language refinements, and user testing, it was time to develop the final prototype. As the sole product designer on the team, I led the creation of the entire user interface, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience. This project was unique not only because I designed the interface, but also because I collaborated closely with a conversational AI architect to craft the language for the AI prompts, enhancing the overall user interaction.
Creating a seamless community experience
After multiple task flow iterations, visual language refinements, and user testing, it was time to develop the final prototype. As the sole product designer on the team, I led the creation of the entire user interface, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience. This project was unique not only because I designed the interface, but also because I collaborated closely with a conversational AI architect to craft the language for the AI prompts, enhancing the overall user interaction.
Test
Finding Out What The Community Members Think
We tested the app with diverse users and received positive feedback. Based on their input, we added breakout rooms, event creation options, and refined the color palette to improve accessibility. We focused on three cohesive colors: off-blacks for text, off-whites for backgrounds, and a vibrant accent for interactive elements.
Finding Out What The Community Members Think
We tested the app with diverse users and received positive feedback. Based on their input, we added breakout rooms, event creation options, and refined the color palette to improve accessibility. We focused on three cohesive colors: off-blacks for text, off-whites for backgrounds, and a vibrant accent for interactive elements.
Implement
A Hub for the Future
The GCDP app is a vibrant, accessible platform that connects members to share cultural identities and highlights GCDP as a dynamic hub. The rebranded Garryowen CDP is now a thriving creative space, with its new identity proudly displayed and the app live, fostering a stronger community. I developed a comprehensive asset pack, brand guidelines, and templates, and delivered an app prototype ready for handoff to developers, ensuring a smooth implementation.
