By Design: Why Visuals Matter in the Work We Do

I’m not a trained designer, but I know that how we present information matters just as much as what we’re saying. In policy and advocacy work, design isn’t about making things pretty. It’s about making complex ideas clear, accessible, and actionable. 

What started as a creative hobby, playing around with layouts and visuals, eventually became a core part of how I approach policy work. Over time I realized that visual tools helped me explain complex issues more clearly, both to partners and to the public. 

At Chase Gen, we treat design as part of strategy. Here’s why: 

1. Policy is already hard to follow. Design helps people see what matters. 

 Whether it’s a funding cut or a voting change, people need to see what’s at stake. Good visuals bring clarity where dense language or spreadsheets can’t. 

2. You don’t need to be a designer to communicate well. 

 I use Canva, templates, and simple layout tools to make sure data and messaging are easy to follow. Clarity is the goal. Every time. 

That’s why policy-informed design matters. Clarity doesn’t just come from visuals; it comes from context. 

3. Design helps small teams show up powerfully. 

 With the right visuals, organizations can educate, mobilize, and influence—without needing a full comms department. That’s where Chase Gen comes in. 

Want to see how I turn strategy into visuals? Scroll through a few of my favorite pieces below.