Toxic-Free Childcare Guide
Client
Institute for Sustainable Futures
Institute for Sustainable Futures
Type of Work
Layout Design
Illustration
Publication
Layout Design
Illustration
Publication
Date
2024
2024
Brief
The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) is an independent research institute within the University of Technology Sydney. Their mission is to support sustainable practices across various industries, from science to engineering to economics. Although childcare centres are known to be high-risk environments for toxic chemical exposure, there is little information available to help owners and staff address these risks. ISF’s solution was to create a guide that raises awareness and provides actionable advice for childcare and preschool staff, as well as Australian policymakers. My role in this project was to design an engaging and informative guide that makes complex information more accessible.
The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) is an independent research institute within the University of Technology Sydney. Their mission is to support sustainable practices across various industries, from science to engineering to economics. Although childcare centres are known to be high-risk environments for toxic chemical exposure, there is little information available to help owners and staff address these risks. ISF’s solution was to create a guide that raises awareness and provides actionable advice for childcare and preschool staff, as well as Australian policymakers. My role in this project was to design an engaging and informative guide that makes complex information more accessible.
Strategy
The heart of this guide is about creating safer spaces for young children in Australia. Not only does it inform the audience about the dangers of toxic chemicals in childcare settings, but it also encourages action. For policymakers, it bridges the gap between data and real-world impact. For childcare owners and staff, it offers practical tools and resources to help them confidently create safe, nurturing environments for children.
The heart of this guide is about creating safer spaces for young children in Australia. Not only does it inform the audience about the dangers of toxic chemicals in childcare settings, but it also encourages action. For policymakers, it bridges the gap between data and real-world impact. For childcare owners and staff, it offers practical tools and resources to help them confidently create safe, nurturing environments for children.
The design concept, A Child’s Mark, emphasises that it is children who are most affected by these toxic chemicals. Inspired by children’s playful scribbles and crafts, the concept reflects the innocence and creativity that define our childhood. The playful, organic shapes in the visuals evoke the spontaneity of children’s art, while hand-drawn illustrations recall the charm of picture books and woodblock prints.
This guide is available both digitally and in print, as a PDF and booklet, for easy distribution to the intended audience.
This guide is available both digitally and in print, as a PDF and booklet, for easy distribution to the intended audience.
