As ease of use was key, we focused on developing a folder which was easy to carry around and contained everything they needed in one place, rather than having several, heavy and cumbersome documents to carry around. The title Routes to Recovery suggested positive outcomes, via a variable number of actions. Thereby setting the tone of the document that there were options, not a right and wrong way; underlying that the client would be empowered and encouraged to see a route to recovery that worked for them.
The content was also highly engaging, designed to be completed together and as part of a conversation, rather than just forms. It was also far more visual, making the content easier to follow and more logical in its structure: having a clear ‘flow’ through the manual.
The principle of mind mapping was adopted as a means of communicating concepts and how to address issues, both physical and emotional for the clients.
The final design layout was highly illustrative, using a bright, friendly colour palette derived from the existing corporate guidelines. Inside the back folder were optional laminated copies of the work sheets enabling clients and worker to map out ideas and thoughts first, before transferring them over to the master documents; coupled with explanatory sheets that outlined in simple graphical terms causes, effects and consequences of decisions and actions taken.
The project has been extremely successful, resulting in multiple reprints and use across the world in both USA and China, and a new commission to develop an equivalent training manual for ex-prisoners once they had been released.
