Protect The Protest
Applying story-telling to crafting powerful Call-To-Action Social Media Content
Project Brief
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Project Timeline
Project Type
Contributor
Lan Huong Hoang
My Contribution
Social Media Design
Project Overview
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This project is a visual campaign created for Amnesty International’s Protect the Protest initiative. It includes a Call-To-Action Instagram Carousel and a Poster designed to raise awareness about restrictive protest laws and encourage public engagement. The campaign specifically addresses the impact of Section 214A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), which imposes severe penalties on protesters. The goal is to empower audiences to take action through digital activism.
Concept
right to peacefully assemble and history has
showed the social impact of protests.
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The Instagram carousel was designed to inform and mobilize young audiences, particularly those aged 18-35, who are highly active on social media.
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The format utilizes bite-sized content that balances bold visuals with concise messaging to maintain engagement.
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Ensured high contrast between text and background for readability. Designed with clear visual hierarchy so that screen readers can effectively convey the content.
Design Choices:
Simple language: Consumable information
Headline and infographic: Trigger curiosity
Connected visual elements: Encourage swipping
The poster complements the digital campaign by creating an offline presence in community spaces such as universities and cultural centers. It uses shock advertising principles to elicit an emotional response and drive action.
Concept
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It illustrates how protests have evolved, from traditional demonstrations to high-tech activism, and explores the growing tension between government control and the right to dissent.
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The timeline format tells a cohesive story, linking past and speculative future events. Dates are emphasized to guide readers through key moments, with bold highlights for major events.
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The final entry, “Same Story, Different Realities”, contrasts progress in democratic nations with increased suppression in authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for free speech.
The poster presents a timeline of protests, showing their impact over time and how technology shapes activism and repression. Created for Amnesty International’s Protect the Protest campaign, it highlights key historical events and speculative future scenarios to stress the ongoing fight for the right to protest.
Outcome
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When I first presented the Instagram Carousel design in class, my lecturer and fellow students were immediately drawn to the striking visuals, with many shocked by the first slide. Their reaction confirmed that my design effectively captured attention and conveyed the message of the campaign. My lecturer was impressed with my graphic design skills, and my peers praised the visual impact. This feedback motivated me to continue improving and develop a sharper eye for digital design.
For the poster, I received compliments on my graphic design skills, color choices, and the storytelling behind the visuals. However, it was noted that the writing and content did not make a strong impact. This critique helped me recognize the importance of refining both visual and textual communication to create a more powerful and cohesive message.
Evaluation
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Through this project, I gained valuable insights into the balance between visual storytelling and written content. While my design successfully captured attention and engaged viewers, feedback highlighted that the textual elements could have been more impactful. This made me realize the importance of clarity and conciseness in messaging, especially when addressing serious topics like protest rights. I also learned that strong visuals can enhance a message but cannot replace well-structured content.
Moving forward, I aim to refine my writing skills to complement my design work, ensuring both elements work together to create a more compelling narrative. This project also sparked my interest in graphic design, making me more open to exploring roles where I can apply and further develop my skills in visual communication and digital design.