February 28th, 2022

With the recent events in our world, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the design community has implemented itself into areas where it can show support and gratitude during such pressing times.

Of course, design as a profession, skill, and even interest cannot have a direct effect on the horror that we see across the world. However, design can play a pivotal role in giving support, raising awareness, and promoting messages that pay tribute to those in need. For example, propaganda has always been a powerful tool that designers and artists use to send a particular message about a specific topic. Events such as World War II, or highly commercialized elections have had propaganda littered throughout its essence. Today, as we watch Ukraine fight for its liberty, our culture has recently used design to spread love to those who are currently lacking it. Below is just one example of how companies are using design to promote Ukraine and its fight.

While not overwhelming or drastic, companies have begun to implement either the Ukraine colors or the flag in general into their marketing and design approach. For example, many websites have cursors and spinning wheels to yellow and blue. Simple design choices such as this are compelling, intriguing, different and remind those who are free, that there are others who are facing adversity.

As a student studying design with dreams of entering this profession, I find it amazing and motivating that our field can have such a dramatic impact on how people feel. Not only can we supply individuals with captivating visuals that evoke specific feelings. But, we can spread awareness, love, passion, and care by simply using our craft.