Design Project Case Studies

Overview
Designed a comprehensive annual report to communicate organizational impact, financial transparency, and community engagement for a regional nonprofit serving the Great Lakes Bay area.

Role
Lead Designer — layout, typography, data visualization, and production

The Challenge

The report needed to present a large volume of diverse content—including financial data, program outcomes, donor recognition, and storytelling—in a clear, engaging, and accessible way for a broad audience of donors, members, and community stakeholders.

Key challenges included:

• Translating dense financial and program data into digestible visuals
• Maintaining reader engagement across a multi-page document
• Balancing storytelling with transparency and accountability
   

Approach

I developed a structured layout system that combined strong visual hierarchy with clean, consistent typography. The design focused on guiding the reader through multiple layers of information without feeling overwhelming.

• Established clear sectioning for programs, financials, and community impact
• Designed charts and infographics to visualize revenue streams and expenses
• Integrated photography and quotes to humanize the data and reinforce mission-driven storytelling
• Used consistent branding elements to unify the report
   

Solution

• Designed a multi-page report covering organizational highlights, financial performance, and program outcomes
• Visualized over $2.2M in revenue and expenses through clear, easy-to-read charts 
• Structured program content to highlight large-scale impact, including:
  • 13,277 students served through education programs 
  • 22,102 annual visitors to the center 
  • 5,100+ participants in community programs 
• Designed donor and volunteer recognition sections featuring 891 volunteers contributing 13,709 hours

Link to 2017 Annual Report

Senior Services of Midland County - Video Storytelling Series

Overview
Concepted, wrote, and directed a series of brand storytelling videos designed to highlight the real-life impact of Senior Services on older adults, volunteers, and the broader community.

Role

• Creative Lead — concept development, scripting, creative direction, and brand oversight
• Collaborated with an external video production partner for filming and editing
  

The Challenge

Senior Services needed a more human-centered way to communicate its impact—moving beyond informational content to emotionally engaging stories that resonate with donors, families, and the community.

Key goals included:

• Showcasing authentic, personal stories 
• Reinforcing trust and credibility
• Communicating the broader community impact of supporting older adults
   

Approach

I led the creative direction of the series, focusing on storytelling that felt natural, warm, and deeply human.

• Wrote scripts designed to sound conversational and authentic—not scripted or overly polished
• Identified meaningful stories featuring program participants, volunteers, and community members
• Ensured each video aligned with brand voice and visual identity
• Collaborated closely with a video production partner to guide tone, pacing, and visual storytelling
   

Solution

• Produced a series of short-form storytelling videos highlighting different perspectives on the organization’s impact
• Directed narrative structure and messaging to ensure clarity and emotional connection
• Integrated brand elements consistently across all videos
• Created content suitable for use across the website, social media, presentations, and fundraising efforts
   

Featured Videos - Click the link to watch

• Looking for Something to Do?
• Support & Resources
• Get Involved
• Finding Hope

Outcome

The video series created a more emotional and relatable connection to the organization’s mission, helping audiences better understand the real-world impact of its services. These videos became valuable assets across marketing, outreach, and fundraising efforts—strengthening engagement with donors, volunteers, and the community.

 Senior Services of Midland County — Website Design & Management 

(SeniorServicesMidland.org)

Overview
Designed and maintained a user-focused website to improve access to services, programs, and resources for older adults, caregivers, and the broader community.

Role
Web Designer & Content Manager

The Challenge

The website needed to serve a wide audience with varying levels of digital literacy, requiring:

• Clear navigation
• Strong readability
• Easy access to essential information
• Accessibility

At the same time, it needed to reflect a professional, trustworthy brand and support ongoing updates for programs and services.

Approach

I focused on simplifying the user experience while improving visual consistency and accessibility.

• Organized content into intuitive, easy-to-navigate sections
• Prioritized clear typography and high-contrast design for readability
• Ensured consistency across pages and content updates
• Balanced visual design with functional usability

Solution

• Designed and maintained WordPress-based website
• Improved layout structure and navigation for easier information access
• Updated visual design to align with organizational branding
• Managed ongoing content updates, ensuring accuracy and relevance
• Supported integration with marketing efforts, including events and campaigns
  

Outcome

The website now provides a more intuitive and accessible experience, making it easier for users to find critical information and engage with programs and services. It also serves as a central hub supporting broader marketing and outreach efforts.