A nation-first social change magazine

Their Challenge

The power of open conversation is that it allows the voices and ideas of people from diverse backgrounds and with different points of interest to be heard and to be acted on.

CSI’s hope for the Social Impact magazine is that all who wish to make a significant contribution to a conversation on social change and social impact can do so; and that all who want to take action, be part of a drive for a just and sustainable society, and create social impact will be inspired and better able to do so because of the magazine.

Our Strategy

To create an authentic discussion around social change, it was important from the magazine’s inception that the design should be approachable, inclusive, and with universal design at its heart. The theme of the magazine is based on the six Nyoongar seasons, with the current edition highlighting Makuru, representing the season of fertility from June-July.

The edition is also centred around the Letter from the Future which was written during the 2018 Social Impact Summit, by over 400 attendees and thought leaders. It is a letter written from the people of 2028 back to the people of 2018. Quotes from the letter are dispersed throughout the publication creating a moment to pause and reflect while tying the articles together with a continued theme.

Voice, Treaty, and Truth

While concept of the magazine’s parameters began with the CSI team, this changed as our approach to the festival changed. Key themes and guiding principles for the magazine were eventually co-created with Aboriginal leaders to make sure they aligned with a renewed approach to the festival. This decision was rooted in the previously referenced Letter from the Future.

We realized that if we truly want to create a just and sustainable society then the spirit of ‘Voice, Treaty and Truth’ needs to be at the heart of what we do. This has led to a collaboration with Aboriginal leaders for the shaping of this issue and future editions to come.

Inclusivity of design

The DrawHistory team took inclusivity of design into consideration during the magazine’s development. The serif fonts, contrast, line-height, and wide margins make it easier for the viewer to read. The flow of content throughout the publication is consistent and legible, which fosters a feeling of predictability and safety, encouraging the reader to be at ease.

The soft color palette, line illustrations and shapes provide depth and accents to articles, acting as entry-points for readers into what could be challenging, abstract or complex issues.

It was important that not only the magazine’s content was inclusive, but the form in which it manifested was welcoming and could be embraced by all.

The outcome

The Social Impact magazine was launched at the Social Impact 2019 Festival Opening on Monday 15 July at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery. Throughout the course of the Social Impact Festival the magazine was read by hundreds of participants who attended the two-day summit, Danjoo Koorliny Walking Together Towards 2029 and Beyond: Voice, Treaty, Truth from 17-18 July at The University of Western Australia. Off the success of the magazine, the CSI team have plans to produce a quarterly edition to continue important conversations around our shared future.

CSI approached the DrawHistory team to co-produce a publication designed to make you think deeply about current social and political issues. By making the content more inclusive we spread awareness to topics that may be difficult to speak about or understand. The 64-page Social Impact magazine engages readers by creating an inviting space to be still, reflect, and contemplate. The inclusive, engaging design has amplified the insights, stories, and articles which aim to create a more just and sustainable world to a wider audience.