As Charlotte continues to grow as the largest city in North Carolina, we are having to expand and build to accommodate the growing population. As work zones become a prominent feature in Charlotte due to this growth, concerns of safety and awareness in such zones have become a rising issue. In 2023, the NCDOT identified 7,500 crashes in work zones, with 2,800 resulting in injury and 31 in death. They also estimate that more than 50% of work zone crashes involve speeding or distracted driving. With these statistics continuing to rise each year, it is clear that some initiative should be taken to reduce these numbers. AHEAD aims to bridge this gap by educating the public about work zone safety and encouraging drivers to create safer environments in the work zone.
With these issues in mind, AHEAD was created to spread awareness and safety tips for road construction workers as well as drivers who are constantly interacting with work zones. Bouncing off ideas already established by state departments of transportation, such as the National Work Zone Awareness Week and Go Orange Day, AHEAD continues to educate the public about work zone safety year-round. To utilize the public’s pre-existing knowledge of work zone safety, AHEAD uses a dark grey color palette with pops of orange to remind drivers of the road and the orange signage that is posted around work zones. A pattern consisting of common objects found in a work zone was also developed to create visual variety and relate the brand’s identity to the work zone environment. The logo is slightly slanted towards the right to evoke a sense of motion and to match the brand’s captivating motto, “think AHEAD.”
Product 1: AHEAD App
The AHEAD app syncs together with a preferred GPS system and utilizes live updates from work zones to correctly inform drivers of road conditions. Through the app, road construction companies and government agencies can provide live information about work zones that everyday drivers can access and use to plan ahead.
Driver's Walkthrough
Worker's Walkthrough
Product 2: Multimedia Ad Campaign
This multimedia ad campaign aims to spread awareness for work zone safety in high visibility spots for drivers and construction workers. The campaign consists of a billboard, a standard poster, and an animated gas pump ad to promote a key message that encourages viewers to think ahead.
Product 3: Safety and Awareness Kit
The awareness kit empowers the public to take safety into their own hands. The kit features a beginner’s guide to understanding work zones, a multipurpose use bag to suit your needs, a t-shirt and keychain to promote awareness outside the work zone environment, and fun car magnets to spread the message on the road.
Project Presentation Video
CTRL + CREATE Exhibition and Reception
Alongside my 22 talented peers, I was able to present AHEAD at our senior exhibition show called CTRL + CREATE. The exhibition was on show from April 15 - May 2 at the Lambla Gallery in the Storrs Building at UNC Charlotte, with its reception night taking place on April 17. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and thank everyone for coming out to see the show in person!
