KOSTER
Big Title
A POSTER FOR THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS
TEAM – ROLE
Luisa Koster – Communication Design
DURATION
February – March 2023
CONTEXT
Freedom of Speech Awareness in Portugal
CLIENT
United Nations Human Rights
& Faculdade de Belas-Artes
TOOLS
Sticky Notes, Fineliners, Miro
ABSTRACT
Artigo 19 is a communication design project developed for the United Nations Human Rights, addressing Article 19 – the right to freedom of expression in the Portuguese context. The project explores how historical voices can inspire contemporary conversations about free speech. By transforming powerful quotes from activists and politicians into a participatory poster shaped like a speech bubble, Artigo 19 invites viewers to reflect on their own role in protecting this right today.
PROCESS
Situation
In Portugal, visual communication around free speech often focuses on censorship and oppression rather than empowerment. The challenge is to create a more hopeful, participatory narrative.
​
Decisions
• Focused on positive historical speeches instead of fear-based messaging.
• Designed an interactive poster to invite viewers to reflect rather than passively observe.
​
My Role
• Conducted visual communication analysis of existing campaigns.
• Collected and clustered historical speeches into thematic categories (activism, legal reforms, ongoing challenges).
• Developed the visual concept and tested layouts for clarity and engagement.
​
Learnings
• Positive narratives encourage reflection and identification more than fear-based messaging.
• Participation increases when viewers feel they can add their own voice to an existing conversation.
• Translating historical content into accessible, relatable formats is key to public engagement.
RESEARCH
Methods:
• Literature Review • Visual Campaign Analysis • Archival Research of Historical Speeches
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
• Existing posters focus on oppression and censorship, making free speech feel abstract and distant.
• Historical speeches carry hope and determination, which can inspire contemporary audiences.
• Participatory elements (adding personal statements) increase emotional connection and engagement.
CONCEPT
Interactive Poster
• Designed as a speech bubble made of post-it notes, each displaying a historical quote.
• The center holds a blank post-it with
“You say…”, prompting viewers to imagine adding their own voice.
• Uses a handwritten style to feel authentic, approachable, and open to contribution.
Placement
​
• Displayed in the Baixa subway station in Lisbon, a public space with diverse daily commuters.
​
• Instagram stop-motion video to show individual voices and highlight to speak up for themselves.
​
OUTCOME
​
The poster turns free speech from an abstract right into a collective conversation. Commuters stop to read and reflect on the historical quotes, with some discussing their relevance today. Its participatory design demonstrates how visual storytelling can spark civic reflection in everyday public spaces.
EFFECT
For citizens:
Encourages reflection on personal responsibility in protecting free speech.
For human rights organizations:
Shows how positive narratives and participatory elements can make advocacy more approachable and engaging.
For society:
Links past struggles to present-day civic engagement, reminding people that freedom of expression is an active, ongoing responsibility.
Open Question:
How can historical narratives be adapted to resonate with younger audiences who engage mainly through digital media?
