Project overview:

Baxter State Park is one of Maine’s most iconic natural areas. This speculative project will explore how improved communications and design could address visitor needs and support staff capacity, based on feedback from park staff and Friends of Baxter.

Opportunity:

Visitors often faced challenges navigating park information online, while staff were stretched managing outdated or fragmented communications systems. There's an opportunity to design a modern communications approach that improved visitor experience, supported conservation priorities, and reduced strain on staff.

Solution:

• Researched visitor challenges and staff feedback to identify communication gaps.
• Proposed updates to the park’s digital presence, including clearer navigation, accessibility, and storytelling.
• Designed speculative concepts for print and digital materials that could simplify staff workflows while better serving the public.
• Framed recommendations as a passion project, with the intent of demonstrating possibilities to the park and its partners.

Results (Proposed):

• A conceptual roadmap for modernizing Baxter’s communications systems.
• Tools like a new website that, if implemented, could improve visitor satisfaction, increase clarity, and strengthen alignment with the park’s conservation mission.

Role: Independent project (research, speculative design, communications strategy).