Gaining deep understanding with real citizens and experiences
Client
Martin Prosperity Institute
Services
Creative direction
Content creation
Digital / Web
Information and data design
Strategy
UX / UI
Deliverables
Exhibit design
Information management
Information organization
Storytelling
UX / UI
Website design
Credits
Lisa Smith, Illustrator
Overdrive Design Ltd., Web design and development
The project
Martin Prosperity Institute’s The Persona Project is an initiative used to gain a deep understanding of real citizens. In 2014, MPI researchers interviewed Americans from different socioeconomic backgrounds to understand their personal experiences. The one-on-one, ethnographic interviews covered a range of topics, including the economy, education, the American Dream and more.
This project was created because inherent biases and assumptions affect all research and policy creation. The MPI wanted to find a way to avoid these intrinsic ideas before they could shape a researcher’s thinking.
The Persona Project, a set of 13 real personas, was produced in three forms: a 125-card interactive set, in-house panel exhibit and a 13-page website with pop-ups and custom filtering.
As MPI’s in-house designer from 2009 to 2019, Michelle worked alongside their research team to produce stunning materials to increase their reach and impact. In 2016, The Persona Project won RGD’s In-House Design Award with Distinction.
