Amit Runchal // [email protected] // 310.776.0154

Last edit: 2021.01.19

Overview

Graphic design and printing work for more effective door hangers for Get Out the Vote.

Problem Statement

Hanging door knockers is a critical part of the canvassing process. If potential voters aren't home, canvassers are often encouraged to write a note using Sharpies to the voter, often times a personalized and encouraging message with relevant voting information. Despite being relatively high effort for a canvasser, it likely resorts to sub-optimal results due to:

• Limited access or availability of Sharpies. The high gloss finish of door knocker paper stock is necessary to be hardy enough for the outdoors, but limits the type of writing instruments. Many canvassers don't have Sharpies or may lose them.
• Poor legibility. The door knockers are often a distinctive color, like blue or black or red, to be eye-catching and have high contrast. However, this limits the readability of the black Sharpie ink.
• Insufficient writing space. The design of the door hanger text and graphic elements often leave little room for conveying information. Additionally, using Sharpies and hand-writing will increase the size of written text leaving less room for the imagination.
• Inability to provide custom precinct information. Because door hangers are mass printed in advance, there is very little ability to print custom information on a precinct-by-precinct level. As a result, there is a lot of time spent looking up information or making sure that voters have correct information.
• Relying on canvassers to convey distinct information in a standardized and scalable way. Finally and most critically, canvassers are volunteers with varying abilities, time, and access to capital and resources. They may not all have the ability to look up information, keep track of information, or be familiar with technology like QR codes.

Objectives

Allow for a way to modify existing mass printed door hangers that can better achieve the following goals:

• Make it easier for canvassers to leave notes and custom information
• Get people information that they would normally only get from face-to-face effort with canvasser
• Distribute local phone numbers for "concierge" type services for getting to the poll
• Encourage voters to think through the various elements of a vote plan
• Create an opportunity for making a vote plan and sharing to social as effective as the "I Voted" sticker.

Solution