Greater Together

Designers possess unique qualities which help them solve complex problems. Empathy helps them understand why people behave the way they do. And creativity allows them to free their mind and evade the limits built up by society's preconceived notions. Combine both these qualities with a borderline insane commitment to flawless execution, and it becomes easy to see how designers have what it takes to influence positive change in their communities.

These qualities helped me shape the two great motivators in my life: The drive to create and influence great design, and a compulsion to improve the human condition.

Fortunately, designers are uniquely qualified to succeed in this quest. In today's world, where every problem seems twisted with increasing complexity, a designer's ability to step back and simplify problems becomes essential. Using creativity, designers have the ability to break someone's everyday habits, if only for a moment, and plant an idea — a simple idea with the power to change human behavior — an idea that can craft outcomes that center on people, rather than the institution behind it.

There is no better example of this kind of activity than Greater Together — a creatively driven coalition dedicated to creating awareness, hope and ideas that promote racial and economic equality in the greater Milwaukee area.

Cofounder of Greater Together | AIGA

With gratitude, Ken Hanson
Hanson Dodge Creative