Many voters in Montana were participating in the legislative process without fully understanding their rights as citizens and how they could influence state legislation. The process of giving testimony was complex and not easily accessible to the average citizen. The project aimed to address this by creating a how-to guide, specifically "Be Heard Montana," to provide a simplified process for voters to submit either in-person or video testimonials about proposed bills. The guide needed to be visually engaging and verbally accessible to a diverse audience.
My task was to design and create the "Be Heard Montana" guide, making the process of giving testimony more accessible for voters. This involved simplifying the intricate steps of the legislative process, creating engaging visuals and copy that would resonate with a diverse audience, and ensuring that the guide was easy to understand for individuals who may not be familiar with the complexities of state legislation.
I began by conducting comprehensive research into the legislative process in Montana, understanding the intricacies of giving testimony on proposed bills. This research allowed me to break down the complex steps into digestible and user-friendly information.
I designed the guide to make the steps less intimidating for voters. This involved creating visually engaging elements to capture attention and using language that was accessible to a diverse audience. I translated the detailed legislative process into a simplified, step-by-step guide that demystified the complexities for the average citizen. Incorporating engaging visuals, such as infographics and illustrations, I aimed to make the guide more accessible and appealing. Visual elements were strategically placed to reinforce key steps and concepts, enhancing overall comprehension.
This guide successfully achieved its goal of making the legislative process more accessible for voters. The simplified steps, visually engaging design, and user-friendly language made it easier for individuals to submit in-person or video testimonials about proposed bills. The guide played a crucial role in empowering citizens to exercise their rights effectively, fostering greater civic engagement. The project contributed to a more informed and active electorate in Montana, demonstrating the impact of accessible information on public participation in the legislative process.