The Brief
'Stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response; it can be physical, mental or emotional. It is the feeling of being under too much pressure and being unable to cope. Everyone experiences stress differently, and despite it being a normal part of life, stress can be damaging and is often perceived by society as something negative.'
University can be a very stressful time for students due to life changes, new responsibilities and demanding workloads. Recently it has been reported that increasing numbers of University students are experiencing stress that is affecting their education and personal lives. Although stress can be beneficial, students are not properly educated on the issue, and therefore they don’t know how to properly cope, or take control of their stress. This is a problem; if stress is left to develop it can lead to more severe mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression which can negatively impact on students and their wellbeing while at University.
Graphic Design will play a vital role in communicating the problem that stress poses to students, while educating the target audience on the importance of dealing with stress, and taking control. Visual communication will also highlight the positive aspects of stress, and how it can actually be beneficial to students. This project will explore the root of the problem while using design for possible solutions that will be suitable for the target audience.
Don't Distress, Eustress: The Good Stress Guide for Students
My solution to the design challenge is a handy guide on good stress for students in the form of a printed leaflet and poster keepsake. The designs from the leaflet will also act as a mini poster campaign to raise awareness and promote the topic of good stress around University Campuses. The leaflet is a simple handout that introduces students to the idea of good stress (known as eustress). The purpose of the leaflet is to encourage students to think differently about stress and how it affects them, so that they can take control and start seeing and experience stress as good - eustress. The leaflet will inform students on eustress (the name for good stress) and the benefits it can have on not only their work, but on their health and wellbeing also. There will also be a section in the leaflet on stress management techniques that help students manage their stress while building resilience, and training their mind to see stress as something that can be positive.
Initial Research: Stress and stress perception amongst university students. I found that a high number of people only see stress as something negative, and aren't properly educated on the topic.
After discovering all the benefits of stress, I decided I wanted to create a solution that changed the public perception of stress. I researched hand generated type and colourful designs (i.e. the work of Kate Moross) as I felt that a friendly and approachable design was the right solution to get people to see stress as something positive, and even beneficial.
Artwork from the leaflet: I decided that the leaflet should not only be informative, but colourful and eye catching also to help with the positive representation of stress. Each section within the leaflet would have its own quote to get students thinking differently about stress. I chose to match the hand-generated typography with bright and cheerful colours, to create a quirky and approachable appearance.
The leaflet Cover: I designed the leaflet to be the opposite of the pages inside - white with colourful typography. The multi-coloured title reflects all the elements of the leaflet coming together in one design. The name ‘Don’t Distress, Eustress’ is meant to confuse and entice students to find out more. I decided on this name as it combines the two different types of stress, and introduces the reader to the term ‘eustress’ early on. Once the term is understood (by reading the leaflet) the title becomes clear - it is a command that basically says “stop seeing stress as bad, see is as good!”
The Final Leaflet Design: Cover and Inside.
Inside the Leaflet: The three sections within the leaflet, each has its own colour scheme, quote and information. The leaflet educates students on stress, how it can be beneficial to them (by introducing the idea of eustress) and how to manage their stress to see it as something positive.
Awareness Campaign: The artwork from the leaflet will also be used as posters that will promote good stress and stress management to students. These will be displayed around University Campuses to help motivate students, and get them thinking differently about stress. #DontDistressEustress - using social media to get the campaign shared to reach the target audience.
Foldout Poster: The leaflet is reversible and designed to unfold to reveal a poster keepsake. This design is based on the cover and acts as a motivation poster that students can keep and display at their accommodation to remind them that stress can be good!
Leaflet Keepsake: A motivational poster.
The artwork from the leaflet itself can also be kept and displayed (A5 sized). The bright 'happy' colours are used to change the appearance of stress - it is no longer something gloomy or medical!
#DontDistressEustress: Students can use the hash-tag to find out more about eustress and the good it can do on social media.
Motivational Phone Background: The designs would also be used for backgrounds/ screensavers on University computers and equipment to motivate students during deadline periods. It can also be saved if the student wishes to use it as their phone background for that pre-exam pick me up.
