WAACHS Linked Data Study artwork and brand identity for The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Overview
Artwork and Brand Identity for the WAACHS Linked Data Study for The Kids Research Institute Australia — a research project linking Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey data to support better health outcomes for Aboriginal children and families.
The Artwork Story
This artwork narrates the story of the WAACHS Linked Data Study (WAACHS), a research project resulting from data linkage with foundational survey data from the WA Aboriginal Child Health Survey. This linkage integrates data from various government departments, creating a comprehensive longitudinal dataset. The original study is unique as it surveyed entire Aboriginal families, not just individuals. The original logo and branding (pictured far left) was created by an Aboriginal artist in the late 1990s.
The five-year project aims to utilise this linked data to provide evidence for policy changes. The study is informed and led by an Aboriginal Steering Committee and community groups.
With significant efforts in community and government, the artwork embodies the project’s complexity. It respectfully acknowledges the stories and families represented by the data and the ongoing potential for the study to continue beyond the initial five-year period.
Earthy tones of blue, yellow and orange creates a modern and youthful vibe whist maintaining a ‘grassroots’ aesthetic.
CHILDREN
Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islander children’s health and wellbeing is the focus of the project. The primary icon at the centre of the artwork depicts children of the Health Survey and their families. They are holding hands (linked) with dots extending cascading down (research and data). The lines above the children (generations) includes a trail of dots (stories). This also forms pathways to close the gap.
INDIGENOUS DATA
Traveling across Country to different communities to research, gather and link data sources. Depicted by campsites and songlines.
STORIES
Passing down cultural knowledge and spiritual teachings by elders. Depicted by star constellations and emu footprints.
FAMILY
Multi-generational observations are at the core of this Project. Depicted by family members gathered around a resting place.
PATHWAYS
Pathways for informing effective intervention and prevention across health sectors, to help “close the gap” in Aboriginal health. Depicted by rivers.
ICONS & PATTERNS
The data, emu and family icons (above) can be used as bullets or decoration. Stroke patterns (below) have been created using the main elements from each section of the logo. These can be used individually as simple dividers or in clusters for full page backgrounds.
