Indigenising Design
Indigenising Design is on a mission to unite global voices to rethink design through an Indigenous lens, celebrating Indigenous cultures while challenging the impacts of colonisation in our built spaces. Promoting equity and diversity in design practices. IDIA was tasked with designing a visual identity that embodies the essence of their mission—to bring people together from all corners of the earth.
Role: Graphic Designer
Tools: Adobe Illustrator
Timeline: 4 weeks
Deliverable: Brand Identity
Type: Agency project
We explored birds as the central theme of our concepts, recognising them as the primary messengers in our communities, connecting us from above to below.
We drew inspiration from the whakataukī (proverb) “E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū” (The tūī chatters, the kākā cackles, and the kererū coos), understanding that this visual identity must create space for diverse voices within this kaupapa.
Below are the three concepts (including the final design) we presented to the client, each showcasing birds connecting, sharing, and engaging in conversation across all four corners of the earth.
Concept 1
Focusing on diversity and kotahitanga, we designed this piece to showcase four different birds flying harmoniously together. The colour palette is inspired by the sunrise, symbolising a new day approached with ferocity and vitality.
Concept 2
This design celebrates the power of the collective—recognising that behind every great leader is an even greater community, rich in love, hope, and abundance. It is a tribute to those working behind the scenes, doing the hard mahi to amplify Indigenous stories and bring them to the forefront.
The colour palette is inspired by ultraviolet, a spectrum visible only to certain animals. It was chosen to encourage us to consider all living beings on earth, not just humans.
Concept 3
The final design embodies the Māori whakataukī (proverb) "E ngā hau e whā", meaning "the four winds." This proverb reminds us to acknowledge communities from all four corners of the earth, encouraging them to come together to talk, connect, and engage with one another in space that's inviting and safe.
The colour palette draws from the kererū, a revered native bird of Aotearoa. Its iridescent plumage—ranging from purples to emerald greens and midnight blues—reflects light, symbolising the vibrancy, diversity, and distinctiveness of the kaupapa.
The visual identity will continue to support their webinar series, which brings together designers, academics, and change makers to engage in meaningful discussions on a range of important topics. This platform fosters connection, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, creating a space where diverse perspectives can be shared and celebrated.
If you’d like to tune into their webinar series, please visit their website for more information and upcoming sessions.
Collaborators
Lucy Shand
Te Hana
Kimiora Whaanga
Directors
John Moore
Johnson Witehira
Keita Twist
Client
University of Exeter
British Council
Agency
Indigenous Design and Innovation Aotearoa (IDIA)
