Description
Sustainability is a word connected to complex concepts. Its meaning and definition vary depending on the time, place, and perspective of its use, along with how deep the understanding and appreciation for the word is by the definer. Although it varies in degrees of importance and definition to individuals, the definable outcomes affect all people. Because there is ambiguity surrounding its definition, communication of messages that effectively promote actionable and relatable understanding of sustainability, has been less than commonplace. There is a need for graphic designers, who are experts in communication, to also be educated experts in sustainable frameworks and methodologies. This will help to guide and engage audiences to take the actionable steps needed toward sustainable development through the informative messages that they send. By analyzing the art of storytelling as a tool for learning, this report found that graphic designers who use effective storytelling techniques are the key connection between message and receiver for producing successful outcomes in sustainability. Combining easily understood graphics with storytelling techniques merge two important and effective tools that have been proven to enhance understanding of complex messages and increase the memorable experience by the viewer. This approach is relevant to graphic designers, because although it is important to have a lucrative profession, the stakes are high and there is more at risk then mere motivation for a marketable niche in the professional field of design. There are ethical implications to driving unsustainable consumer behaviors via persuasive messages and the usage of unhealthy branding materials, and at the core of those issues lays deeper complexities that are connected to the future health of the planet.