Pinole Pollinators Medallions
Inviting neighbors to take action for the environment in their local communities
Overview
→ Role: Designer
→ Collaborators: Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed, Pinole Garden Club
→ Deliverable: Garden medallion used to identify pollinator-friendly gardens
Defining the needs of users
How does the neighborhood interact with the signs?
For this project, I wanted to make sure the design would be visible to the public passing by on the sidewalk. This meant that the colors had to be vibrant, but also representative of nature. Hierarchy of font and a clear interaction, as well as a with which the public could engage with after reading the sign were other considerations.
Designing the solution
Explorations and Ideations
There were several requirements for text elements, such as "pesticide free," "Pinole Pollinator Pathway," and the Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed and Pinole Garden Club. For these sketches, I focused on how the broader assets would interact with one another within the circular composition.
I also researched and brainstormed options for common pollinators and pollinator flowers, such as the Bombus californicus, or California bumble bee. The regional authenticity helped to ground the medallion in a local community context.
Iterating from feedback
The team picked two compositions from the sketches that resonated most with their vision, and I took these to color in order to better visualize what the final signage could look and feel like. I focused on colors that might complement the typical garden, while keeping visibility in mind.
We decided on the bee in the color of 2A, so I then presented a variety of font options to the team. Each had a different flavor to keep the direction of the design flexible.
It's all in the details
As I finalized the design, I then presented options for the bee design as well as subtle variations in size for the "California Native Plant" text above garden.
Final outcomes
Expanding reach
Ultimately the project was a success in initial turnout at the unveiling event—about 50 folks from all over the East Bay welcomed a new public pollinator garden to Pinole. A materials display, resources and experts taught how to start a pesticide-free California Native plant garden.
The project will soon be expanded to other cities in the East Bay.
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