What first? building momentum in social change
the opportunity
My communication design capstone gave me the opportunity to use design as a tool to engage my community through a gallery exhibition. Reflecting on my years at Miami University, I’ve found a passion for building community and advocating for belonging. In my final year, I noticed both myself and my peers struggling to find ways to contribute meaningfully to our community—often feeling that individual actions weren’t enough to spark real change. This experience inspired me to explore unconventional ways people can engage with social change through small, personal actions.
the process
I began with a survey distributed to peers, which helped me better understand how my community perceives social change, what holds people back from engaging, and what roles they see themselves playing. The results revealed a strong desire to contribute—but uncertainty about where to start.
Through small group discussions and audience research, I learned that the barriers to participation are often overwhelming: lack of time, resources, confidence, or a supportive community. These insights guided my design direction and led me to Deepa Iyer’s Social Change Ecosystem framework from her book Social Change Now. Her work helped me recognize the wide range of roles that exist in movements for change—and the value each role brings to the ecosystem.
The success
My final exhibition empowers participants to recognize their natural strengths and see how they already have what it takes to make an impact. Through interactive design, I created a space for reflection, inspiration, and discovery—introducing participants to the many entry points into social change.
Each visitor engages with a role card that affirms their unique approach to change-making and includes a tangible action they can take using that strength. By addressing feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty with an experience that is both personal and inviting, this project offers a path forward: one where community engagement begins with self-awareness, small steps, and shared momentum.
