DASH is the largest provider of safe housing for underserved survivors in Washington D.C., and the videos I created with them at Explainly have aimed to serve as educational pieces for survivors, supporters, and providers. We worked with their team and used their dynamic brand guidelines to build consistency and create impactful videos that help serve as both instructional and overview pieces about the services DASH provides.
When creating a script and visual designs about sensitive topics, we aimed to take a very delicate approach by using a minimal color palette of primarily earth tones, and an overall more elegant, serious mood. Our expressive cast of characters was created to allow viewers to step into the shoes of each person.
Another primary goal in writing this series was to make the video's language and visuals inclusive, clear, and approachable, in order to reach and keep the attention of anyone in need of support. I had many conversations with our client to narrow in the ample amount of statistics and information we could convey in each of these videos.
We wanted to strike a hopeful and solutions-oriented tone, rather than a gloomy or overly serious PSA style approach.
The animation itself also needed to be appealing, impactful, and in a premium style. To achieve this, we created a new character style that felt unified with their existing branding, and that depicted many unique individuals that show clear emotions and relatable facial expressions without looking too cartoon-like.
The content of each scene was designed to be simple and direct but also considerate, to ensure all viewers could truly gain a clear understanding of how to safety-plan.
Since completing production on these videos with our team of animators and translators, these videos have been used on DASH's website, social pages, and in direct support conversations to help survivors understand and attain their services, as well as teach viewers how to safety-plan.
The key promo video was also localized and distributed in Spanish, in order to increase reach and help a broader audience. This series with DASH will continue to aim to reach underserved populations, and to educate viewers on using inclusive language, how to recognize dating violence, and more.
Note: All preparation, materials, visuals, and sketches, including all electronic files used to create the project remain the property of The District Alliance for Safe Housing DC and Explainly.