UBC Okanagan Debates
The University of British Columbia
Kelowna, BC
The UBC Okanagan Debates series was created to champion civil discourse during a time of growing social polarization. From a design standpoint, the project’s goals were three-fold: create a modern visual identity aligned with UBC’s existing brand; match the intellectual weight of the series, bringing together diverse viewpoints to discuss disputed and timely topics; and stand out in a competitive media landscape while conveying sensitive topics with care.
Recognizing that Debates’ audiences would be as diverse as the topics themselves, designers needed to ensure the visual identity resonated with the general community (adults 19+). Clean layouts, professional colour palettes and bold typography ensured accessibility across formats—from mobile screens to auditorium projections. Audience engagement was achieved by tailoring visuals to specific platforms and audience demographics on those platforms.
Ultimately, the design solution met the goals of aligning with UBC’s brand and enabling a professional, memorable experience that reflected the series’s intellectual and civic purpose.
