Overview

Appian Thrive is a long‑term STEM initiative designed to inspire DC Public School students beginning in sixth grade and continuing with the same cohort year after year. The program needed a visual identity and full suite of learning materials that could engage a wide age range, support educators, and scale as the curriculum evolved.

Challenge

The team needed a brand identity that could ignite curiosity, feel accessible to both younger and older students, and support a wide variety of learning styles. The materials had to be interactive, easy to navigate, and fully accessible — all while meeting a tight three‑month production timeline. The program ultimately served over 170 students, requiring a system that was both cohesive and durable.

Approach

I led the visual direction for the program, shaping a vibrant, workbook‑inspired identity designed to make STEM feel approachable and fun. Working closely with the program lead, I translated educational goals into a clear visual system, refined content structure, and ensured the learning flow supported both coaches and students.

Accessibility was a core priority. Every component — from typography and color to layout and navigation — was built using WCAG‑aligned standards, ensuring strong contrast, clear hierarchy, and screen‑reader‑friendly formatting across print and digital materials.

Solution

I developed a comprehensive suite of branded materials, including two 160+ page coaching guides, two 60‑page interactive student workbooks, a program website, branded swag and environmental elements, presentation templates, and an internal newsletter for Appian employees.

All assets were designed as part of a cohesive system, allowing the program to scale year over year with consistent visual language.

Results

The new identity and curriculum resonated deeply with students and educators, contributing to strong program engagement and growth. The initiative attracted 100 new volunteers and 30 coaches, expanding the program’s reach and capacity. All deliverables were completed within the three‑month timeline and set budget, positioning Thrive as a standout internal initiative with lasting impact.