UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy

The UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy is a centre of excellence for policy-relevant, theoretically-informed, empirically-grounded research. The main disciplines at the UCD Geary Institute include demography, economics, education, law, political science, psychology, public health, and sociology. The Institute has established an international reputation as a centre of excellence.

Our brief was to conceptualise, design, and illustrate a suite of 40 original illustrations, which would become a recognisable identity for the Institute within the wider UCD identity. The illustrations had to be suitable for a variety of digital and print applications. We designed the suite to be flexible, diverse and visually compelling. Our goal was for the illustrations to visually support, in a clear and relatable way, the important research that the UCD Geary Institute engages in. 

We led in-person workshops with the UCD Geary Institute team, in order to visualise all current and potential facets of the wide-reaching policies and topics to be represented. It was important that the suite of illustrations was diverse and inclusive in its representation of people.

We created a playful, bright and colourful illustrative style, featuring human and non-human elements. We considered how the UCD Geary Institute team would use the illustrations, and ensured flexibility in the subject matter and format. The illustrations can be easily applied across the full range of Institute policies and topics, while feeling uplifting and approachable. This was a particularly important consideration when addressing topics such as homelessness and migration. A sensitive, compassionate and considerate approach throughout all aspects of the design process was incredibly important.