This project formed part of a Master’s design thesis at Monash University and was developed by an eight-member student team. The brief involved designing a public exhibition for the Clayton campus library, centred on the contributions of Sir John Monash, particularly his efforts in supporting WWI soldiers as they transitioned back into civilian life. The exhibition aimed to honour Monash’s legacy and bring this lesser-known historical narrative to the attention of students and visitors.
The branding direction encompassed the logo, type system, and colour palette. Titled Return: The Way Back Home, the exhibition’s visual identity was crafted to feel grounded, respectful, and emotionally resonant. A semicolon was chosen as the key logo element—a subtle yet powerful symbol suggesting that war marked a pause, rather than an end, in the lives of those who returned. This served as a quiet reminder that their stories continued beyond the battlefield. Supporting design elements drew from early 20th-century print styles, incorporating muted tones and serif typography to evoke a sense of history and reflection.
In addition to branding, a motion intro was developed to welcome visitors and introduce the exhibition’s theme through animated typography and archival imagery. Pacing and transitions were kept minimal and contemplative, aligning with the exhibition’s tone. Cross-disciplinary collaboration was essential—working closely with teammates responsible for spatial design, curatorial research, and interactive components ensured a cohesive and unified visual language throughout the experience.
The project offered a deeper understanding of how design contributes to public memory and emotional engagement in physical spaces. It demonstrated the impact of restrained visual choices when communicating complex ideas, and highlighted the value of strong conceptual thinking within collaborative academic environments.
