Dictators Laundromat
For SXSW 2025, I led the design of the Dictator’s Laundromat, an interactive booth for HRF’s Combating Kleptocracy program that revealed how authoritarian regimes launder money and whitewash reputations. I developed the entire visual system, using bright, saturated colors, bold typography, and an ice-cream-pop-inspired aesthetic to immediately capture attention in a busy festival environment, making the subject approachable without diluting its seriousness. In addition to the branding, I wrote and storyboarded new video animations, integrating them into interactive displays to clarify complex processes like shell companies, lobbying, and reputation laundering. This design and narrative approach increased audience engagement and message clarity, with efforts recognized by HRF’s Head of Video. The installation itself was modular and immersive, combining visual, tactile, and video elements to guide visitors through the story of global kleptocracy. Every design decision—from the logo system and patterns to signage and screens—was intended to reinforce HRF’s mission while making abstract financial crimes tangible, shareable, and memorable. The project achieved record foot traffic and significantly expanded visibility for HRF’s Kleptocracy program, demonstrating the power of cohesive design in service of advocacy.