Axis
Brand Identity, Print Design, UI/UX, Prototyping
Axis explores how design and storytelling can challenge stigma and empower marginalized communities. The project began in Mathare, Nairobi—an area often reduced to negative media portrayals—and grew into a platform that supports youth through zine-making and storytelling.
It investigates how participatory design and narrative practices can shift perception and foster connection. The outcome is a visual identity and a set of tools—including a zine kit, website, and newsletter—that give young people space to share their stories on their own terms and connect across cultures.
Cultural probes were used to explore how people perceive themselves, their communities, and how they are viewed by others.
“Axis” refers to a grid connecting people across place, creating a space for shared stories.
The visual identity draws from bold African album art and raw charcoal textures to reflect cultural pride and the tactile nature of zine-making. Zine kits were distributed as tools for self-expression, with completed zines collected, digitized, and showcased online to amplify underrepresented voices.
The website features multilingual access, an exploratory map, and community pages. Smooth animations and subtle hovers create an immersive, intuitive space for curious and empathetic users.
Intersect is Axis’s zine-style newsletter, highlighting one community per issue. Each edition features artwork, stories, and ways to engage beyond zine-making—available digitally or by mail.