AFR Higher Education Summit
The AFR Higher Education Summit is a leadership forum bringing together university leaders, policymakers and industry to consider the future of Australia’s higher education sector. As part of Deloitte’s involvement in the summit, the booth and supporting materials translated an existing visual identity across print and digital touchpoints.
Approach
Soon after joining Deloitte, I drew on my own experience of higher education to guide the design. I focused on clarity and authority, keeping core elements restrained while allowing more flexibility in secondary touchpoints.
The work evolved through close collaboration and iteration, refining early ideas into a more resolved outcome. The assets were designed to work across different contexts, and seeing them used in later events showed how well the design held up over time.
What worked well
Close collaboration with stakeholders and AFR Government Summit designer established early alignment and kept the project on track.
Secondary touchpoints, particularly the lightboxes, allowed for a more expressive interpretation, creating contrast within an otherwise measured visual language.
The assets proved durable, adapting to different event formats while keeping a cohesive visual identity.
What I’d refine
With more time, animation could have been applied to the presentation video on the TV screens, using the AFR green semi-circle motif to introduce movement and rhythm.
Incorporating white backgrounds more could add contrast, variety and give the system more room to breathe.
‘What sets Michelle apart is her remarkable ability to adapt to a changing environment and evolving project briefs. Michelle's ability to find effective solutions that satisfied all parties involved was truly commendable. The end product received high praise from key stakeholders.’
— Laura Gerges, AFR Higher Ed Summit Lead