Approximately 1 in 5 Victorians will experience mental illness in any given year.
Designing for clarity in complex systems
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System was established to address a system under significant pressure, where too many people were not receiving the care they needed.
Tasked with defining a path forward, the Commission’s work centres on driving meaningful reform across the state. The Interim Report represents the first major milestone, setting out key findings and priority recommendations to address immediate needs and establish the foundation for long-term change.
The project involved designing the 670-page report, including its structure, charts, diagrams and infographics. The focus was on bringing clarity and accessibility to complex and often confronting content, ensuring it could be understood and engaged with by a broad audience.
The concept
The design approach focused on creating a clear and inclusive visual language that reflects the values of the Commission’s work.
Given the scale, sensitivity and complexity of the content, the solution required both rigour and restraint. A central visual motif runs throughout the Report, providing consistency and helping to structure dense information.
This circular form reinforces ideas of focus, community and person-centred care. A clear typographic hierarchy, paired with a warm and considered design language, supports readability while expressing a sense of connection and cohesion.
Grounded in connection
The final design drew inspiration from Wemba Wemba elder Aunty Nellie Flagg, who, during an Aborigines Advancement League hearing for the Commission, stated that “Connectedness to culture, country and community is the foundation stone for building stronger individual and collective identities.”
This idea resonated deeply with the Commission’s purpose and informed the direction of the work. It served as a guiding reference point throughout the design process, ensuring the outcome remained aligned with the values of connection, care and inclusivity.
The Design
With content and data evolving throughout the project, the design needed to remain flexible while maintaining consistency.
A simple, well-structured page system and baseline grid were established early, allowing the layout to adapt to an unknown final page count. This approach supported the efficient integration of break-out content, charts and infographics as material was developed.
Clarity through data
Approximately 180 data visualisations were developed, each requiring a high level of precision and consistency. A structured approach was established to enable efficient production while maintaining a cohesive visual language across the report.
Transforming complex data into clear, accessible communication proved to be one of the most demanding aspects of the project, requiring careful balance between accuracy, readability and meaning.
A Disciplined Execution
With content evolving right up to the final stages, the delivery required a carefully structured and responsive approach.
A robust production process was established and tested early, anticipating the intensity of the final weeks. Much of the groundwork, particularly across charts and infographics, was completed in advance, enabling the team to move quickly as content was finalised.
This approach was critical in meeting a demanding timeline, and continues to inform how complex, high-pressure projects are delivered.
Collaboration under pressure
Close collaboration and clear communication were essential to delivering a document of this scale and complexity.
Working in step with the Commission ensured the work remained aligned, accurate and responsive, even as content evolved under tight timeframes.
Looking ahead
The Commission’s work sets out a clear and ambitious path for reform, with early recommendations already being implemented across the system.
The urgency of change has only intensified, highlighting the need for a mental health system that can respond to both current and emerging needs.
The final report builds on this foundation, outlining a comprehensive approach to transforming mental health services across Victoria.
If you or someone you know needs support, the following services are available: Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Head to Health.
