Meet the graduates: Manchester Metropolitan University’s Libby Collar

Libby Collar is a 21-year-old BA Graphic Design graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. Her final project is called iNKOGNiTO.

Design Week: Can you explain your project and motivation for doing it?

Libby Collar: iNKOGNiTO is an app which aims to tackle political apathy among my generation.

I was surprised at how few of my friends were registered to vote or took an interest in social and political issues. However, I discovered that people were willing to participate if it was made accessible to them, which prompted me to create a platform to facilitate these conversations and expressions of opinion.

My intention was to encourage decision making, as well as exposing young people to politics that may affect them. I wanted to create an app which educates, engages and empowers my generation. iNKOGNiTO aims to act as a catalyst for collective participation and political activism.

The use of electoral ink in many parts of the world sparked a vision for the brand. A fundamental component of the branding is the fingerprint, which reflects individuality as well as anonymity. The raw, organic texture of fingerprints is a central brand motif and the name iNKOGNiTO is a nod to a secret ballot.

DW: What was most challenging about the design process?

LC: For my final project, I knew that I wanted to challenge myself by expanding my skill set. This was my first experience designing an app interface and using Adobe XD. Although I quickly arrived at the concept, it was difficult to envisage the outcome before developing the brand.

It was also challenging to establish a consistent, neutral tone of voice, which was not preachy or politically biased, in order to allow people to arrive at their own decisions without influence.

DW: Where do you see your design career in the future?

LC: This project confirmed to me that I feel most passionate about socially conscious design. In the future I’d like to combine my interest in branding with my excitement around design for change.

Check out other graduate projects from this year’s cohorts here.

You can find our guide to 2023 graduate design shows here.