DESIGN HUB

Design Hub began with a simple desire: to help emerging designers navigate the overwhelming uncertainty they face when entering the professional world. Through extensive research—interviews, observations, and surveys—a troubling truth surfaced. Many new designers were gripped by fear of the unknown, lacking the confidence and knowledge of what awaited them in the industry. This fear stemmed from a disconnect between education and real-world expectations. Designers craved a place to seek guidance, share their experiences, and feel a sense of community. From this need, the idea of Design Hub was born.

The solution was clear—a platform designed specifically to fill that gap. The Design Hub website would be a multifunctional space where designers could learn, connect, and grow, accessible on any device. It would feature three core sections: a Learning Hub filled with videos of experienced designers sharing advice on topics around creativity, industry trends, and career building; a Resource Hub with updated tools, mockups, tutorials, and practical materials; and a Community Hub to encourage communication and promote networking opportunities through local events and discussions.

When it came to the design, the aim was to balance vibrancy with professionalism. Through studying current design trends and researching the competitive landscape, a vibrant colour palette combined with a maximalist yet clean aesthetic was chosen. Adobe Firefly was used to generate inspiring visuals, which became central to shaping the overall feel of the platform. The logo design followed the principle of simplicity while representing a "window of opportunity"—a gateway into the future. The logo was intentionally created to be flexible, allowing for interactive elements that users could influence and reshape as they grew with the platform. The typography was selected for its impactful yet clean, website-friendly nature, adding to the clarity of the brand's message.

The platform was built on WordPress, and the process was a learning curve, filled with challenges around mastering the platform. However, as the website took shape, it became a true reflection of the journey that Design Hub represents: learning, growing, and overcoming the unknown. Videos were crafted in Adobe Premiere, despite limited prior experience, evolving into a series of short, conversational clips that felt organic and approachable. The consistent use of music helped tie the brand together, creating an auditory connection that reinforced its identity.

Throughout development, feedback was key. Focus groups of emerging designers and one-on-one sessions ensured that Design Hub aligned with their needs. Industry professionals also provided valuable insights, allowing for constant refinement and improvement of the platform.

To extend its reach, Design Hub expanded onto social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where the brand’s presence could engage and build its community. The goal was not just to inform but to create a space where designers felt seen, heard, and connected.

Most importantly, the website itself was designed to facilitate meaningful conversation. Chat boxes and interactive elements allowed users to ask questions and spark discussions, breaking down the barrier of insecurity that many designers face. Design Hub transformed from a simple idea into a thriving platform—turning fear into confidence, and the unknown into opportunity.