The Brief
I developed a conceptual digital and merchandise design system for ACADIA 2020, a global conference exploring computational design and emerging technologies. With the event shifting entirely online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project explored how visual design could support a cohesive virtual conference experience across digital platforms and event merchandise.
I developed a conceptual digital and merchandise design system for ACADIA 2020, a global conference exploring computational design and emerging technologies. With the event shifting entirely online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project explored how visual design could support a cohesive virtual conference experience across digital platforms and event merchandise.
The Problem
The abrupt shift to virtual events during the pandemic created new challenges for conferences traditionally built around physical spaces and in-person interaction. The design needed to communicate complex academic content while remaining visually engaging in a digital environment. The challenge was developing a clear and functional interface for an online event while also creating a strong visual identity that could capture attention across social media and promotional materials.
The abrupt shift to virtual events during the pandemic created new challenges for conferences traditionally built around physical spaces and in-person interaction. The design needed to communicate complex academic content while remaining visually engaging in a digital environment. The challenge was developing a clear and functional interface for an online event while also creating a strong visual identity that could capture attention across social media and promotional materials.
Insight
Virtual conferences require strong visual systems to replace the environmental cues and energy normally found in physical spaces. Bold typography, structured layouts, and visually striking social content can help create a sense of cohesion and excitement for participants joining remotely.
Virtual conferences require strong visual systems to replace the environmental cues and energy normally found in physical spaces. Bold typography, structured layouts, and visually striking social content can help create a sense of cohesion and excitement for participants joining remotely.
Design Intent
I designed a clean, minimal interface system for the conference app using white space, bold typography, and simple navigation to support readability and accessibility. For social media promotion, I developed a contrasting visual approach—black and white backgrounds with vibrant CMYK-inspired color accents, glitch effects, and abstract forms that reference coding and digital networks. The design system also extended into conceptual merchandise and welcome kits, including hoodies, tote bags, stickers, and mailed attendee packages.
I designed a clean, minimal interface system for the conference app using white space, bold typography, and simple navigation to support readability and accessibility. For social media promotion, I developed a contrasting visual approach—black and white backgrounds with vibrant CMYK-inspired color accents, glitch effects, and abstract forms that reference coding and digital networks. The design system also extended into conceptual merchandise and welcome kits, including hoodies, tote bags, stickers, and mailed attendee packages.
Outcome
The project demonstrates how a unified visual system can connect digital platforms, social media promotion, and physical merchandise to create a cohesive conference experience—even in a fully virtual environment. The work explores how design can support community-building and engagement when audiences are distributed globally.
The project demonstrates how a unified visual system can connect digital platforms, social media promotion, and physical merchandise to create a cohesive conference experience—even in a fully virtual environment. The work explores how design can support community-building and engagement when audiences are distributed globally.
