This project combined disciplines of User Experience Design, User Interface Design, and Storytelling, with responsibilities in UX research, microlearning and storytelling, and prototyping, using Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, and Behance as key tools.
Role:
Web Designer
Industry:
Cultural Storytelling, Beauty & Identity
Duration:
4 weeks
Challenges
The challenge was to develop a portfolio project in response to a self-initiated brief that demonstrated my design flair, while the opportunity allowed me to explore the history of my Caribbean culture and create a microlearning experience through storytelling informed by primary and secondary research.
My Approach
Research
Initial Problem Discovery: I believe that becoming aware of another individual’s culture is vital, especially when traditions are worn and expressed in today’s society. As both a designer and a braider based in Birmingham, I draw on the cultural history of the Afro-Caribbean community, where styles such as cornrows, twists, and braids hold deep historical significance, to shape my work. Hair Speaks is my response to the curiosity, speculation, and judgement that often surrounds traditional Black hairstyles; it is a storytelling interface that celebrates my Caribbean heritage while offering a microlearning experience.
Incorporating Culture: Using the braid styles I have created for clients, the project transforms personal experience into cultural exploration, opening conversations about history, identity, resilience, and pride. By turning misunderstanding into awareness, Hair Speaks challenges assumptions, reduces stigma, and highlights the beauty and meaning woven into every strand, ultimately serving as both a portfolio piece and a platform for visibility, education, and empowerment.
Synthesis
Micro-learning/storytelling: In my research on storytelling, I have learned that a compelling narrative requires action, emotion, sensation, and a clear resolution, elements highlighted by Ligia Fascioni in her article Design is Storytelling (2020). Her breakdown of how storytelling engages the senses and emotions helped me reflect on how I could make my own work feel more intentional and personal.
Font Pairing: I experimented with various fonts to find the perfect fit for Hair Speaks. I started with bold, sans-serif options and then explored a mix of bold and thick cursive styles. Ultimately, I chose a bold approach to reflect the cultural significance of hair and it's loud, unapologetic expression. However, I wanted to honor the delicacy of hair as well, which is why I incorporated a thick cursive font, symbolising both strength and elegance.
Developing a Solution
After experimenting with several font options, I narrowed my choices down to using Coolvetica paired with a cursive font. Coolvetica offers a clean, modern look with its bold, geometric lines, making it an excellent choice for conveying the bold and cultural aspects of Hair Speaks. To balance this, I paired it with a cursive font, which adds a softer, more delicate touch to the design, reflecting the intricacy and strength of hair as a form of self expression.
Results
Design Decision (colour palette): I chose a rich brown colour palette for the Hair Speaks site to reflect my Caribbean heritage and the natural beauty of people with afro-textured hair. The brown represents the melanin in the skin and the deep, earthy tones that resonate with those of us with natural, kinky hair. To add contrast and vibrancy, I paired it with a rich orange for pops of colour throughout the design.
Additionally, I incorporated the ‘rasta’ colours; colours associated with the Caribbean: red, green, and yellow-gold. I will use these for the buttons to further honour my roots and culture. This combination not only brings warmth to the design but also connects deeply to my identity and the cultural significance of hair within the Caribbean community.
Final Touch: I added reggae music to the background of my website which sets the mood for the reader.
Conclusion
What I valued most in this project was the chance to incorporate my personal experiences as a braider and my understanding of the cultural relevance of each style. This project reaffirmed my belief in the power of design as a medium for cultural expression and knowledge sharing.
See Hair Speaks on Behance (desktop recommended)
