Creative Communities
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The brief
The State Library NSW has invested in creating online programs for young people to engage in art, writing and reading. The Atlas Hub unites all the creative clubs under one banner and establishes an online creative community for children to find inspiration from the SLNSW's collections and learn new techniques and skills.
Art Direction
UX Design
UI Design
The hub connects the Library's onsite and online special events to create a safe space for after-school activities where children can bring ideas to life, publish and share creative writing and art for friends and family to enjoy. Children can connect with the rich history and stories behind the State Library's Collections while being creative and having fun with their peers.
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Our Approach
Online home for creativity
We used storytelling to unite the various online clubs formed organically during COVID, creating a connected imaginary world. This new hub was envisioned as a tree-bourne clubhouse in outer space. This "home away from home" features themed areas and guilds that cater to children's creative interests, allowing them to explore a world of fun through activities such as writing, building, crafts, play, and learning.
Designing a digital clubhouse
- Designed concepts for a space-themed treehouse as input to the graphic design brief
- Selected warm and inviting colours to establish the visual identity of each club
- Designed a scalable and flexible interface to facilitate easy content management
- Incorporated considerations for reusing key search and gallery components completed for other SLNSW projects
- Created a site design that appeals to a youth audience while reinforcing the SLNSW brand
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Outcomes
Bringing together online creative communities
Connect multiple disconnected club websites under one cohesive design
Connected information architecture and navigation flow to make it easy for children to join various clubs
Creator showcase galleries for children to enable ease of publication, sharing and discovery of stories and art
User-friendly content design to highlight events and activities and registration for clubs
Personal galleries linked to a user profile to provide an overview of all creative work completed across all clubs
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Results
United creative communities
Highlight onsite and online events
Safe online space for children
Creativity enables learning and connection
Unlock a world of knowledge and inspiration by connecting creative communities to the remarkable collections of SLNSW
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Testimonials
Over a four-year period, Lumos Digital has worked on eleven design projects for our Collection Experience, Learning Services and Exhibitions departments. Their work helped give voice to diverse communities and document their stories in an inclusive and sensitive manner.
By growing their relationship with us and gaining a deep understanding of our audiences, Lumos built durable and scalable experiences that connect communities around stories, history, and learning.
The long-term effects include extended public access and enhanced engagement with our collections. Their focus on inclusivity and adaptability has contributed to our goal of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring enduring connections between the Library and our audiences.
Digital Channels Leader
