The regional review showed differences in how the network appeared online. Some regions used the shared MiSTEM identity, while others appeared through host organizations or had a limited dedicated web or social presence.

The creative challenge was to explore a system that could:

• Make the network recognizable across regional communications
• Accommodate different amounts and types of local content
• Provide repeatable formats for social media
• Connect website and social communication visually
• Support clear experiences on desktop and mobile

I reviewed regional websites and social presences to understand the different ways information was presented. The review informed the creative work by highlighting opportunities for a more consistent structure across channels.

The proposed direction centered on shared design rules with flexible content areas. This allowed the concepts to balance network recognition with regional relevance.

Repeatable formats for regional content

I developed social media toolkit concepts and sample posts to demonstrate how a shared visual system could work across recurring communications.

The toolkit separates shared brand elements from editable regional fields. The concept identifies region name, event or program name, local photography, date and time, partner information, and calls to action as areas for local customization.

Shared elements include the logo, core colors, typography, and statewide messaging framework. The guide also proposes publishing reminders for alt text, video captions, color contrast, descriptive links, and partner amplification.

The toolkit examples served as a visual demonstration of the proposal’s approach. They were concept assets rather than an implemented publishing program.

Clear paths for different audiences

The desktop concept introduces the network with a prominent headline and two primary actions: exploring STEM opportunities and finding a region. Navigation provides paths for students, educators, families, and employers.

Supporting sections introduce MiSTEM’s purpose and the audiences it serves. The design combines navy, blue, and teal with bold typography, photography, and icons to connect the website with the social concepts.

Adapting the experience for mobile

The mobile concept stacks the introductory content and calls to action, with a compact menu and a single-column reading flow. The proposed experience carries the same visual direction into a smaller screen format.

Interactive Prototypes

The Adobe XD prototypes provide an interactive view of the proposed desktop and mobile experiences.

• Explore the desktop website concept
• Explore the mobile website concept

One system, statewide and regional messages

The statewide concept introduces the shared message, “STEM Starts Here.” The Region 7 example adapts that direction with a regional headline, an illustrative Family STEM Night feature, and a localized call to action.

Consistent logo placement, typography, colors, and graphic accents connect the two examples. Local fields show how the proposed system could accommodate regional content.

LinkedIn Application

The sample LinkedIn post connects classroom learning with Michigan’s future workforce. It demonstrates how the visual direction and a supporting caption could address a professional audience.

• A review of regional web and social presences
• Social media toolkit concepts
• Sample social media posts and regional applications
• Desktop website concept and Adobe XD prototype
• Mobile website concept and Adobe XD prototype
• Proposal layout and presentation of the creative approach

A connected set of concepts showing how shared design could support regional communication.

The work translated research and recommendations into tangible examples, allowing reviewers to see how the approach could extend across social media and website experiences.

This project demonstrates my ability to connect digital research, design systems, and presentation. Its outcome was a set of proposal materials; implementation and performance results are outside the scope of this case study.