Dars

Education Show for 11-16 year old girls in Afghanistan

Powerful and visually compelling way to convey a message
about growth, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge.
This was our aim while creating the titles

DARS

Dars is an educational TV show aimed at Afghan girls who were banned from attending school. This collaborative project involved various teams across BBC World Service, with the goal of providing accessible and empowering educational content to these girls. The show addressed a pressing need, offering educational opportunities to an underserved audience through innovative media solutions

As the lead designer, I was responsible for creating the entire brand identity and all associated graphic and motion design elements. I worked with Adobe Illustrator for graphic design and After Effects for motion graphics, ensuring that the visual content resonated deeply with our audience while aligning perfectly with the show's educational mission.

We began by researching the unique challenges faced by Afghan girls, working closely with educational experts to understand their cultural and visual preferences. This phase was crucial in ensuring the content would be engaging, culturally appropriate, and accessible to the target audience. Like piecing together a complex puzzle, I synthesized the insights into design elements that would both educate and resonate on a deeper, emotional level.

The design phase kicked off with brainstorming sessions and multiple rounds of feedback. Early concepts, initially in the form of detailed sketches, evolved into fully realized designs in Illustrator. I focused on creating visuals that were not only informative but also empowering. Using After Effects, I brought these designs to life through engaging motion graphics and animations that communicated the educational content in a dynamic, accessible way.

Once the designs were finalized, I shifted focus to the production of motion graphics and animations. Despite tight deadlines and the scale of the project, we maintained a meticulous approach, ensuring each piece aligned with the show’s objectives. Collaboration and teamwork were crucial in turning what seemed impossible into reality. We pushed through late nights, fueled by coffee and dedication, to meet the tight delivery schedule while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Dars received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both the target audience and stakeholders. The show expanded to two TV channels and was nominated for multiple awards, which helped to elevate its visibility and impact. The success of Dars not only opened the door for more educational media projects but also proved the power of design and media to break down barriers to education. The show continues to be a testament to the strength of collaboration, creativity, and determination in tackling complex social challenges.

CREDITS

Producers: Mariam Aman, Georgina Pearce

Creative Director: Eiad Barazi

Lead Designer: Alex Kessling

Designer: Gintare Tamasauskaite