Optimizing Health Communication Noticeability with Visual Design and Humor: An Applied Approach for COVID-19 Public Messaging

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Official public health communications are typically characterized by generic and staid graphic representation. However, situations requiring sustained public attention (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) would benefit from context-rich, referential messaging which actively incorporates visual design and emotion in its composition. This paper documents the author's application of this philosophy through a graphic poster series framing advisory information within creative, visually-engaging parameters. Summarizing the process of conceptualization, development and reception, it discusses the project's dual objectives - enhancing noticeability through creative visual design, and mitigating pandemic-related negativity with humor. Finally, it situates the project's postulations within the context of Health Communication discourse.