The Basics
Job Title: Communication Designer
Take us through a brief overview of your remote workday.
I begin my day with e-mails and relevant news stories associated with the
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. I enjoy seeing how government initiatives are applied within the community, making real-world impact. I like to scratch off quick to-do items early in the day before I start the heavy-lifting design work.
What are you currently working on from home?
I’m privileged to work on projects that are very diverse and service-oriented. I have created materials for teacher certification, school counselling and other student aids. Most recently, I was involved with the communication for at-home student learning packages and the publication of new student assessment guidelines at the closing of the school year. Beyond that, I’ve created inclusive education resources for African Nova Scotians and
Mi’kmaq, an indigenous people group within the province. Never a dull day!
Have you found any helpful tactics or strategies for staying focused and productive?
At the beginning of the week, I find it useful to review the projects in queue. Workloads may shift depending on priority items within the department and direction from the Deputy Minister. I set daily goals and assign blocks of time for larger projects.
How do you combat feelings of isolation or disconnect from your team?
I have weekly calls with my immediate team and also with the larger division. We share updates, encouragement and resources for upcoming projects. Often there’s some light-hearted conversation and jokes are tossed around. A co-worker also sent a book through the mail about Nova Scotia Hiking Trails and I’ve been dog-earing a few pages and exploring new turf — such a nice gesture!
If applicable, how are you approaching working from home while your partner/family etc. are also home?
I’ve been fortunate to have a designated workspace and set clear times for my workday. The evenings are reserved for leisurely activities like outdoor strolls, video chats and discovering new hobbies.
Have you discovered any advantages or disadvantages to working from home? If so, what are they?
Some advantages would include having to not pay for downtown Halifax parking and having a full kitchen at my disposal for lunchtime! Definite disadvantages would be missing casual conversations in the office and all the friendly faces.
Though seemingly contradictory, social distancing and community are intertwined. Do you have any thoughts or insights you’d like to share with other designers during this time? We’re all in this together.
Look beyond your immediate need to see how to help someone else. The pandemic has marked unchartered territory for a lot of us. It has spawned some innovative and creative ways to interact. Use this culture shift to refine attitudes and practices for the better.
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is a service-oriented professional with an affinity for design. She holds a specialized degree from York University and completed an undergraduate thesis in web accessibility. Dedicated to quality and innovation, Stephanie has received recognition from the International Adobe Achievement Awards. In 2019, Stephanie was the Certified RGD DesignThinkers Scholarship Winner. Her technical knowledge and creative insight have afforded her opportunities to support local marketing campaigns and work alongside major Canadian retailers. Whether in the private or public sector, Stephanie is passionate about creating intelligent, inclusive and sustainable design.
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