Light for Light

Task
As part of the Design for Change unit, I was asked to identify a social issue and develop a creative response that could shift public perception and inspire action.

Research & Process
Recognising the importance of grounding my design in real needs, I began by creating a survey inspired by the Salvation Army’s Top 5 Issues for the Community in Melbourne. I took this survey out onto the streets, inviting people to participate by ranking the issues and sharing their own thoughts. The results were unmistakable: housing affordability and homelessness stood out as the clear, number one concern. Many participants not only recognised these problems, they had experienced them firsthand.

With an issue that feels so large and difficult to grasp, it became clear that the only way forward is to come together as a community and support one another. But in a city where many are already struggling to make ends meet, how can we expect them to help others?

To find answers, I spoke directly with various homelessness organisations and representatives from the City of Port Phillip to understand the real needs and what type of support creates genuine impact. At the same time, I researched different ways to engage people in giving—focusing on solutions that fit into busy, financially pressured everyday lives.

These insights led me to a Buy One, Give One model: Light for Light. The idea is simple , turn an act of self-care into an act of care for someone else. By subscribing to a monthly candle, customers also fund a care package for a person experiencing homelessness. There is also the option to purchase single candles as gifts for friends and family, extending both the brand’s reach and its impact. This approach makes giving easy, accessible, and mutually rewarding.