JULIE Kids
Client
JULIE | Before You Dig
Services
Website
Motion Graphic
UI/UX
Branding
Overview
JULIE wanted to create a microsite designed specifically for kids ages 6–8 to teach them the importance of safe digging and when to call 811. The experience needed to balance education and fun, offering activities, characters, and storytelling that would keep kids engaged while delivering serious safety information. Our work began with collaborative workshops to align on tone, content, audience needs, and visual direction.
Research
Our discovery workshops focused on understanding the motivations, needs, and behaviors of three core audiences: kids, parents, and teachers. Kids needed an experience that felt fun and visually engaging, helping them understand what utility flags mean, why they shouldn’t touch them, and why calling 811 is important. Parents were looking for ways to keep their kids entertained while also closing the knowledge gap about JULIE’s services. Teachers wanted reliable, ready-made lesson materials that supported their safety education curriculum without requiring extra planning on their part.
From this research, we established the tone of voice for the microsite: playful, enthusiastic, and cheerful, but still grounded in clarity and seriousness when delivering essential safety information. This balance ensured that the messaging remained educational while still resonating with young learners.
Design Process
Once the strategic foundation was clear, I began developing the visual direction and UX flows. I created three distinct concepts that explored different illustration styles, character directions, color palettes, and site structures. We started by focusing on the mascots- characters that could guide kids through the content in a way that felt familiar to children’s shows. From there, I mapped out how each section of the microsite would work, including activity areas, informational content, and dedicated spaces for parents and teachers. The process emphasized designing an experience that felt bright, friendly, and easy to navigate for young kids while still accommodating adult users.
Execution & Implementation
The final design brought together all the research and conceptual work into a cohesive microsite experience. The interface featured friendly characters, vibrant illustrations, and simple navigation that made it easy for kids to explore. Key educational content- such as the meaning of flag colors, when to call 811, and the five steps to safe digging- was broken down into approachable, visual storytelling. I designed activity areas that included coloring sheets, puzzles, downloadable worksheets, and an e-book, giving kids multiple ways to learn through play. For parents and teachers, the site offered clear explanations of safe digging practices and a hub of classroom-ready materials. Throughout the process, accessibility and age-appropriate readability guided every design decision.
Results & Impact
The project resulted in a fully developed visual direction and microsite structure that supports kids’ learning while empowering adults with educational tools. The new experience makes safety content approachable and memorable, offering a strong foundation for future expansion- whether that’s additional activities, school presentations, or more character-driven storytelling. The client now has a clear framework for engaging younger audiences in a topic that often feels abstract or inaccessible.
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Reflection
This project challenged me to translate a serious safety topic into a playful, kid-focused experience without losing clarity. It strengthened my skills in workshop facilitation, multi-audience strategy, visual storytelling, and educational design. I learned how to craft a tone that is both cheerful and instructional, and how to design activities that support real learning through play.