Cutting through the noise
Our first challenge was to create visuals that would cut through the already-busy visual environment surrounding Stratford Station. Starting with our concept Connecting Communities developed a striking visual identity with bold colours and celebratory geometric forms to attract people and draw them in. This identity was rolled out across multi-platform collateral from the interactive consultation platform to pop up displays, posters, t-shirts and social media.
Engagement
In order to reach as broad a demographic as possible (and because part of the consultation period took placed during the COVID19 pandemic), we planned meticulously for both in-person and online engagement. The consultations were conducted in two rounds a year apart, allowing the project team to hear the community’s opinions, create proposals based on them, and then hear feedback on those proposals.
Reach, relocate, reuse
Our displays were specifically created to be easily relocated, giving us flexibility to hold consultations at multiple locations around the area to respond to weather and other logistical challenges. As well as being fully reusable, we had the totems produced using Stormboard – a super durable material made from 100% unrecyclable mixed plastic waste. Each display was allocated a vibrant poster featuring key information and interactive question boxes to help gather the most valuable feedback during the consultations.
Campaign
As part of the Commonplace consultation, an online and print campaign was run to encourage participation. This approach ensured an inclusive consultation, giving more and less technologically literate people a chance to take part. Printed posters were displayed in the station surrounds to inform people of consultation times and locations. In co-ordination with Commonplace, the online campaign targeted demographics in the area which were being under-represented in the physical consultation.