BA (Hons) Graphic Design – Applicant Design Task

In a world that’s always online, many people still feel alone. We scroll, post, and message constantly, yet loneliness has quietly become one of the biggest challenges facing our communities. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General reports that the physical effects of loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2023). 

As a graphic designer, you have the power to help people feel seen, included, and connected. Your challenge is to explore how design can reduce loneliness or bring people closer together; by sparking conversation, encouraging participation, or simply reminding someone they’re not alone. 

What to Do 

1. Research – Begin by exploring the issue of loneliness. 

• Who experiences it, and why? 

• What impact does it have on health, happiness, and community life? 

• What examples can you find of design being used to connect people or support wellbeing? 

2. Ideation – Develop your own creative approach. 

• How could graphic design play a role in tackling loneliness or building connection? 

• Could it take the form of a campaign, a local initiative, a digital experience, or a printed communication? 
• Show your ideas, visual experiments, or sketches. 

3. Outcome – Present a final graphic design idea or outcome that communicates your message. 

• This could be a poster, publication, social media concept, or digital interface; anything that uses design to help people feel more connected. 

Please present your work as three slides: 

1. Research & Understanding 
2. Ideation & Development 
3. Graphic Design Outcome 

Save as a PDF or PowerPoint file. 

• Curiosity and empathy in your research 
• Original and creative visual thinking 
• Clear communication and consideration of audience 
• Evidence of developing graphic design skills (layout, typography, image-making) 
• An understanding of how design can have social impact