Graphic Design: Print & Digital Communication
Design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about clarity, communication, and credibility. Whether it's a flyer pinned to a bulletin board or a digital poster in a clinic hallway, visual communication must do more than catch the eye. It has to inform, inspire, and in many cases, educate.
In my role, I’m often handed designs that were created quickly, with little consideration for hierarchy, accessibility, or audience needs. My job is to take that raw material—whether it’s a Word doc, PowerPoint, or last year’s flyer—and transform it into something intentional, clear, and effective.
Design Challenge Highlights
Here are just a few examples where design made a measurable difference:
VA GHATP Research Poster – 2nd Place Nationwide
Every year, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hosts a nationwide competition for fellows in its prestigious Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program (GHATP)—a program designed to develop future healthcare leaders within the VA system.
This fellowship is highly competitive and nationally recognized, attracting top talent from across the country. Fellows are expected to lead projects that improve patient care, operations, and access across the VA, and as part of their capstone work, many present detailed research or quality improvement initiatives.
I was asked to redesign two GHATP posters submitted by fellows at Hines VA. The original layouts were text-heavy, lacked clear hierarchy, and didn’t visually communicate the value of their projects. By restructuring the design, clarifying key data points, and improving the visual flow, I created posters that were polished, professional, and persuasive.
One of the redesigned posters went on to win 2nd place in the national GHATP competition.
While the research and leadership behind the project were, of course, the core of the win, my supervisor noted that the design likely played a role in helping the work stand out.
After all, when you're competing against top healthcare fellows nationwide, presentation matters.
Before & After: CLC Isolation Signage Redesign
The Challenge:
A work order requested signage for the Community Living Center (CLC) at the VA, aimed at helping caretakers and physicians quickly identify isolation protocols. The initial design provided was a horizontal sign with colored rectangles labeled with basic terms like "C. Diff" and "Contact." One section featured a single clip art image of handwashing, but the overall layout lacked clarity, context, and visual communication. For a clinical environment where speed, clarity, and compliance are essential, the sign risked being overlooked or misunderstood.
My Approach:
I saw an opportunity to improve both the design and functionality of this vital signage. Rather than just reproducing the original layout, I reimagined the sign from the ground up as a vertical quick-reference guide—easier to scan from top to bottom in fast-paced care environments.
What I changed:
Vertical Format: Switched to a vertical layout for improved wall-mount readability and flow.
Color-Coded System: Maintained the color system (e.g., brown for C. Diff, yellow for Contact), but added full terminology labels to remove ambiguity.
Clear Guidelines: Included CDC-recommended protocols for entering and exiting isolation rooms—like when to wash hands, what PPE is required, and proper removal procedures.
Visual Icons: Added easy-to-understand PPE icons (gown, gloves, goggles, face mask, handwashing) aligned with each category to create instant visual recognition.
Enhanced Messaging: Replaced vague terms with direct, actionable language to reduce confusion and encourage protocol compliance.
The Result:
A cleaner, more informative sign that improves communication between staff and enhances patient safety. By integrating clear messaging, recognizable visuals, and evidence-based guidelines, this redesign transformed a basic reference into a critical tool for infection control.
Slide Deck to Poster: Visual Communication Redesign
The Challenge:
I was given a PowerPoint presentation consisting of three slides and asked to convert the content into a single, cohesive poster design. The original slides were heavy on text, lacked visual hierarchy, and were formatted for screen—not for print display or quick reference. The content was important, but the layout didn’t support clarity or easy understanding at a glance.
My Role:
Content simplification and hierarchy
Visual design for large-format print
Typography and layout optimization
Branding and formatting consistency
What I Did:
Condensed and prioritized information: I distilled the most critical points from all three slides into one streamlined layout.
Introduced visual hierarchy: I used typography, spacing, and alignment to guide the viewer’s eye and emphasize key messages.
Converted screen format to print: I adapted the design for large-format readability, ensuring that everything was legible from a distance and well-balanced on the page.
Unified the message visually: I replaced basic formatting with a structured, modern layout using consistent type styles and visual cues.
Final poster redesign—streamlined, visually balanced, and optimized for large-format display and fast comprehension.
The Result:
The final poster communicates the same message as the original three slides—but in a way that is faster to absorb, visually engaging, and appropriate for display in a professional or clinical setting. It shows how thoughtful design can turn fragmented content into a clear and effective visual tool.
“I strive for two things in design: simplicity and clarity. Great design is born of those two things.”
— Lindon Leader, graphic designer