Tangible
In a world overwhelmed by information yet starving for genuine connection, how can we re-kindle a sense of belonging amongst communities?
Overview
66% of news headlines use negatively associated words to describe negative events, leaving us with a grim view of the world. Tangible is about turning the tide on the isolation exacerbated by negative news cycles – oftentimes portrayed and visualised through long factual chunks of text, to using our own positive experiences as the catalyst by using illustrations and visual communication to turn these real lived experiences to life.
Problem Identification
- We spend on average 10.6 hours a day online – that's 44% of our day.
- Half of this time online we spend on our phones, in which we spend 2/3 of our time on social media.
By looking into why we spend so much of our time on online platforms, and into other forms of news consumption, particularly the ones our generation least uses – traditional news, it's no wonder that 83% of 16-24s consume news online, 71% of which is driven by a social medium – social mediums that often allow us to filter through the content we want to see thanks to their strong algorithms.
I am very aware of what's happening politically, environmentally and, technologically in the world around me – But what about the people around me?
By asking my neighbours and mostly young people like myself, "What is one positive thing that has happened to you this week?", the stories heard were not only uplifting but also deeply humanizing—showing the power of sharing our day-to-day experiences.
From this key insight, the connection between our need for a sense of belonging and our need to share and consume news seemed obvious —thus with Maslow's theory of humans' hierarchical needs and with the knowledge that Gen Z is seeking a raw, genuine kind of content that is entirely humanised, the idea of a platform that doesn't just inform but connects; one that illustrates the relatable, mundane yet joyful aspects of our lives, didn't feel so out of reach.
Branding
the concept for a quarterly illustrated newspaper took shape. It would be a vibrant, visual celebration of our community. With bold, optimistic colors and a contemporary yet traditional serif font, it strikes a balance between modern and classic, appealing directly to Gen Z's aesthetic sensibilities.
The website features the same stories depending in the area they live in, accessible both in text and through voiceovers, catering to different user preferences.
To further promote a sense of belonging, It also serves as a hub for community engagement, where people can submit their stories and find local experiences like workshops and museums.
To ensure the newspaper reaches Gen Z effectively, a multi-faceted distribution approach would take place. Primarily, the newspaper will be distributed at local hotspots that resonate with young people, such as cafes, libraries, universities, and community centers.
This strategy not only ensures accessibility but also embeds the publication within the very fabric of the community spaces that Gen Z frequents.