Project Overview

The project involved the design and development of an informative digital poster and a newspaper publication for the Department of Information under the Fiji Government. The primary objective was to communicate important updates regarding the eTransport card system for students, ensuring that both parents and students were aware of the changes to the usage, validity, and replacement of subsidised student travel cards. Given the widespread use of public transport by students, it was essential that the message reached as many people as possible. The campaign required a dual-format approach, with a digital poster for online platforms and a print version for newspaper publication, ensuring accessibility across different demographics.

Design Objectives

The key objective was to ensure that the message was clear, concise, and visually engaging while maintaining the official branding of the Fiji Government. The design needed to effectively inform students and parents about the restriction on the blue subsidised student cards, the transition period, and the availability of alternative yellow and red eTransport cards.

For the digital poster, the focus was on strong visual appeal with a structured layout, colour-coded card graphics, and iconography to make the information easy to understand at a glance. The inclusion of relatable transport imagery, such as buses and card machines, helped reinforce the context. The layout was designed to facilitate a quick and smooth reading experience, ensuring that the most critical information was immediately noticeable.

For the newspaper publication, the challenge was to adapt the same visual hierarchy and key messages while working within the constraints of a print medium. Unlike a digital format, where colours and interactive elements can be leveraged for engagement, the newspaper layout required a balance between text and visuals to maintain clarity. The design used bold headings, structured paragraphs, and clear spacing, ensuring that the message was legible in black-and-white print formats, while also being effective in full-colour newspaper pages.

Challenge and Solution

One of the primary challenges was ensuring that a complex policy update was presented in a way that was easy to understand. Government notices often contain detailed and formal language, which can sometimes be overwhelming to the public. To address this, the information was broken down into short, clear sections, ensuring that each key message stood out.

Another challenge was differentiating between the different eTransport cards, particularly for students and parents who might not be familiar with the new system. The solution was to incorporate colour-coded card visuals in the digital poster, making it easier to distinguish between the blue, yellow, and red cards at a glance. For the newspaper version, where colour might not always be available, the design relied on bold text, clear labels, and structured paragraphs to convey the same distinctions effectively.

Ensuring accessibility and readability across different formats was another crucial aspect of the design process. The digital poster had a vibrant background, engaging graphics, and concise text, making it ideal for sharing on social media, government websites, and mobile-friendly platforms. The newspaper version, on the other hand, was designed with a structured layout and optimised text size, ensuring readability in a print medium where space constraints can be a limitation.

Final Outcome

The final digital poster and newspaper publication successfully delivered a clear and effective public information campaign, ensuring that students and parents were well-informed about the updated eTransport card policies. The digital poster was visually appealing and easily shareable across multiple online platforms, increasing awareness among the target audience. Meanwhile, the newspaper publication ensured that those who rely on traditional media, particularly parents and guardians, received the same important information in a format that was easy to read and understand.

By using a dual-format communication strategy, the project ensured that the information reached a wide and diverse audience, reducing confusion and enabling a smooth transition for students and parents navigating the new transport card regulations. The campaign was successful in aligning with the Fiji Government’s commitment to effective public service communication, reinforcing trust and clarity in official announcements.

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