Saving Lives by Design
An exhibition in London explores the relationship between graphic design and health
What? “Can Graphic Design Save Your Life?” is an exhibition showcasing the role of graphic design in communicating healthcare messages. More than 200 objects are featured in the exhibit including packaging, health-related posters, comic books, hospital design, pharmacy signs, and more. The exhibition also includes items from the archive of Burroughs Wellcome & Co., one of the first companies to market directly to doctors and to rigorously enforce trademarks and brand, which provide some of the earliest examples of corporate identity in the pharma industry. In addition, the exhibition considers how graphic designers deliver clear healthcare instructions to consumers through carefully designed color coding systems, written instructions and pill packaging.
Street artist Stephen Doe paints an educational mural about Ebola in Liberia, 2014. Credit: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images.
Why? According to Ken Garland’s “First Things First” manifesto, graphic designers should use their skills for good. Graphic design has the power to shape public perception around healthcare and epidemics, and empower people to respond.
Who? The exhibition has been curated by graphic designer Lucienne Roberts and design educator Rebecca Wright, founders of publishing house GraphicDesign&, with Shamita Sharmacharja at Wellcome Collection.
Where? Wellcome Collection, Euston Road, London, UK.
When? The exhibition will run until January 14, 2018.
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