Like many good, organized designers, I always begin all my processes with research. Developing a symbol at Empax that will form the basis of a campaign for stem cell research is no exception. If anything, it has provided the extra challenge of a complex subject that needs research in several different subtopics. I’ve learned that the research often can be the glue that holds my design together. Sometimes, while designing I can often get off track and that's where research becomes the most important. It reminds me to ask myself who I'm trying to speak to, and what I'm trying to say. And if I’ve done my homework before hand, gatherered the best information and defined the clearest goals, I can usually and easily get back to the place I need to be to achieve effective visual communication.

Being one of the first designers to begin the research process for this campaign, I set out to get a handle on the politics of stem cells. And believe me, there are some politics involved. Asking who’s invested in embryonic stem cell research is where I began my focus. Who are the key players, the decision makers as well as the loudest voices in the crowd? I tried to clarify the prevailing views for myself and for the team, examining who is for and against, and why they are invested.

My hope was to paint a picture of how US citizens feel about stem cell research across party lines, religious affiliations, and assess the level of education on the subject. The International Society for Stem Cell Research, an independent, non-profit organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information on stem cell research, proved to be an excellent source, , making available public polls sponsored by media groups, medical and science organizations, and the Catholic Church. It’s worth checking out for those new to subject.

Understanding the legislation trail on the issue is another key component to the research, especially considering the President’s recent veto, his first, made July 19, banning expansion of federal support for embryonic stem cell research.

Political parties, the current administration, and the Catholic Church all have official statements on their views on stem cell research as a party or group. And while our campaign targets American citizens, learning about the attitudes towards embryonic stem cell research in the international community and how their governments are supporting or prohibiting the advancement of stem cell research is also incredibly valuable.

Hopefully, by examining the various groups and where they fall on the research and the political spectrum, we are entering the development of our campaign with a solid understanding of where opinions and parties lie. We certainly know there are barriers and opposition to the advancement of stem cell research, but we also know our audience, the majority of Americans (somewhere between 65% and 70%), who support stem cell research and it is for them that we hope to deliver a symbol to visually show their support…a well researched, beautifully executed symbol.