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ProblemDesigners were required to manually update a template person illustration when representing humans at work in order to comply with new DEI standards.
Solution: Randomizer + Generator ComboWhile visual designers were developing the illustration style and individual assets, my role was to focus on a solution that would make customizing people illustrations a fast and more user-focused process. The solution was two-fold:
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Randomizer
A Google sheets based tool that randomized possibilities produced a simple code to be used in the generator. The randomizer combined assets in a variety of basic categories (skin color, hair color, body shape) and DEI-informed add-ons, for items such as wheelchairs, glasses, and canes, based on population demographics. Despite the many nuances around random weightings, It included an extremely simple interface for designers:
A Google sheets based tool that randomized possibilities produced a simple code to be used in the generator. The randomizer combined assets in a variety of basic categories (skin color, hair color, body shape) and DEI-informed add-ons, for items such as wheelchairs, glasses, and canes, based on population demographics. Despite the many nuances around random weightings, It included an extremely simple interface for designers:
Results: This allowed for realistic representation and eliminated bias in the development, allowing the team to eliminate review steps, saving designer and art direction time, and removing 1 day from project SLAs.
Generator
Hand-coded JavaScript for Adobe Illustrator that used the randomizer code to insert and appropriately align specific assets to “build” a full unique person illustration with front, side, and back views to be used in a variety of designs and projects.
Results: The combination of the randomizer and generator script allowed designers to spend under 1 minute creating an illustration that would previously take upwards of 1-hour. For illustration heavy projects, such as HR presentations, designers could save 10+ hours on development.
Generator
Hand-coded JavaScript for Adobe Illustrator that used the randomizer code to insert and appropriately align specific assets to “build” a full unique person illustration with front, side, and back views to be used in a variety of designs and projects.
Results: The combination of the randomizer and generator script allowed designers to spend under 1 minute creating an illustration that would previously take upwards of 1-hour. For illustration heavy projects, such as HR presentations, designers could save 10+ hours on development.
Distribution and Management
In addition to development, I was also responsible for rollout of the new tool and upskilling the designers. Beyond the initial rollout, I was also responsible for keeping the tools up to date, troubleshooting, bug fixes, consulting on additional DEI updates, and working with designers to continue improving related processes.
Documentation and Training
I created an SOP/process doc explaining how to use the tools step-by-step, including exporting for use in both PowerPoint and InDesign projects, and common customization such as cropping to a circle. Collaborating with designers, we created a series of demo videos and exercises for the team to practice using the tools. I also incorporated modified versions of these resources into new hire onboarding.
Maintenance and Library
I collaborated with Art Direction and designers to create a regular submissions and approval workflow for new assets that would be added to the generator/randomizer, and a library of additional elements such as backgrounds, props, and modular body positions to more easily create custom scenes.
Documentation and Training
I created an SOP/process doc explaining how to use the tools step-by-step, including exporting for use in both PowerPoint and InDesign projects, and common customization such as cropping to a circle. Collaborating with designers, we created a series of demo videos and exercises for the team to practice using the tools. I also incorporated modified versions of these resources into new hire onboarding.
Maintenance and Library
I collaborated with Art Direction and designers to create a regular submissions and approval workflow for new assets that would be added to the generator/randomizer, and a library of additional elements such as backgrounds, props, and modular body positions to more easily create custom scenes.
Prototype Demo
Coming soon! Note: The actual tools and graphics for this project are property of my previous company. The images used here are from an open source library called Humaaans, and do not represent the proprietary visual style of the original tool.