Visual Narrative Design

Context

The client, a national body with a mandate to improve safety outcomes across complex systems, was undertaking multiple strategic initiatives to address emerging challenges. I contributed to two key projects, each resulting in compelling visual narratives. The first focused on articulating how their operating model responded to systemic safety issues. The second—this case study’s focus—supported the evolution of a strategic partnership model aimed at driving aligned, system-wide safety outcomes.

Opportunity

The client recognised the need for a more structured and collaborative approach to working with key partners. Our engagement team was tasked with facilitating the design of a strategic partnership model that would align efforts across the sector, foster shared accountability, and create a clear link between strategic direction and operational delivery.

The goal was to co-design a partnership blueprint that defined the model’s vision, outcomes, guiding principles, key actors, and working mechanisms—while also creating a compelling, system-wide narrative that could drive engagement and support.

Outcome

The engagement delivered a core narrative and visual partnership blueprint that clearly articulated the partnership’s purpose, aspirations, and operating approach.

This process and artefact has been used to:

• Build shared understanding across internal and external stakeholders

• Generate buy-in for the partnership’s objectives and principles

• Support ongoing communication and engagement through various forums and channels

• Guide implementation efforts and strengthen alignment between strategy and on-the-ground action

Approach

To develop a strategic partnership model capable of operating effectively within a complex ecosystem, we employed a structured, collaborative approach combining systems thinking, co-design, and strategic storytelling.

The process was executed in key stages:

1. Stakeholder Mapping and Planning
   We began by collaborating closely with the client to identify and map key stakeholders across internal teams and external partners. This ensured broad representation from strategic, operational, and policy domains, enabling us to capture diverse perspectives and understand how different actors would influence or be impacted by the partnership.
   

2. Co-Design Workshops
   Two interactive workshops were designed and facilitated to engage a diverse group of stakeholders. These workshops were tailored to address varying priorities and expertise levels, creating a space for collaborative problem-solving. Key activities included visioning exercises to align on a shared purpose, scenario planning to explore potential operational strategies, and role mapping to clarify responsibilities and interdependencies.
   

3. Model Refinement and Synthesis
   Following the workshops, we synthesised the insights and feedback gathered, refining the partnership model to ensure it reflected stakeholder input while balancing aspirational goals with practical implementation considerations. The refined model included core principles, enablers such as governance and data sharing, and pathways that connected strategy to operational action.
   

4. Narrative Development
   A clear, compelling narrative was developed to communicate the partnership’s purpose, value, and alignment with broader system reforms. This narrative helped engage stakeholders, inspire commitment, and clarify how the partnership would drive strategic outcomes.
   

5. Visual Blueprint Creation
   To ensure the model was accessible and easily communicable, we translated it into a visual blueprint. This artefact illustrated the partnership’s structure, stakeholder roles, and strategic outcomes, providing a clear and engaging tool for ongoing communication and alignment across planning, engagement, and implementation phases.

As the analyst and junior designer…

• Worked as part of a cross-functional team of five, collaborating with senior analysts, associate directors, directors, and the client’s senior sponsor team to design and refine the strategic partnership model.

• Led meetings with the client, ensuring alignment, gathering feedback, and driving discussions on key design decisions.

• Assisted in the design, preparation, and facilitation of two co-design workshops, engaging a diverse group of stakeholders and fostering collaboration.

• Analysed and synthesised workshop outputs to inform the development of the partnership model, narrative, and final report.

• Designed and refined the visual design artefact, collaborating with senior stakeholders to capture feedback and make iterative improvements.

• Supported project management activities, including overseeing the review process with internal stakeholders and managing risk and quality documentation.