General Election 2024

BBC News  

For the 2024 General Election, I played a key role in designing two major visual elements: the Catwalk, which displayed live election results, and the Projection on Old Broadcasting House, the centrepiece of a public event leading up to the Exit Poll. Both elements were designed to engage viewers in real time while maintaining the BBC’s trusted brand presence across multiple platforms.

The Catwalk design needed to dynamically update in real time as election results came in, while ensuring that the visuals remained consistent and clear across broadcast, web, and mobile platforms. The challenge was to balance flexibility with brand integrity, making sure that the design adapted seamlessly to reflect election updates without overwhelming the viewer. The dynamic templates I developed ensured smooth real-time updates, contributing to the fluidity and clarity of the broadcast.

The Projection on Old Broadcasting House was one of the event’s highlights, drawing a large crowd for the live countdown to the Exit Poll. The design needed to be bold, simple, and highly visible from a distance, making the projection both a striking visual and an immersive experience for attendees. This projection became the focal point of the night, creating a sense of anticipation and engagement as the public gathered to watch the election results unfold. The overwhelmingly positive public response reinforced the BBC’s reputation as a trusted source for election coverage.

This project involved close collaboration across multiple teams, including editorial, production, and technical departments. Managing stakeholder expectations was crucial, particularly when balancing real-time updates and broadcast requirements. The project required adaptability and clear communication to ensure both the Catwalk and Projection were delivered on time, meeting the technical demands of a live broadcast event under tight deadlines.

Both the Catwalk and Projection were praised for their clear, engaging visuals and became key parts of the BBC’s election night coverage. The Projection, in particular, drew significant public attention, enhancing the live event atmosphere and reinforcing the BBC’s role as the go-to source for comprehensive and reliable election coverage. The seamless integration of real-time updates with the Catwalk design ensured viewers stayed engaged and informed throughout the night.

CREDIT

Head of Design: Sue Vago

Design Directors: Oli Powell

Lead Designer: Andrew Haris

Senior Designer: Alex Kessling

BBC News Design / Elections Team