Travels through Alaska landscapes are often informed by the trails left by those who came before, with landmarks, wayfinding and visual communications supporting and encouraging new experiences. Design can improve the casual and expeditionary traveler’s experience through research, prototyping, technology and a system-based approach. Join graphic designer Sara Mitschke and recreation planner Zachary Babb for a presentation about future journeys.

Sara earned her MFA in Communication Design from Texas State University. While at Texas State, she taught classes for the BFA Communication Design program in typography, conceptual strategies, and introductory courses for program admission. Sara was a founding member and Events Team Lead for Texas State University’s Design for America chapter where she worked with a team of students to tackle social challenges through innovation and human centered design. Sara has also worked with the World Health Organization and the Meningitis Research Foundation to create an awareness and advocacy campaign called ‘Change Meningitis’ to change priorities of policy holders and change the future of meningitis. Sara continues her research for improving trail systems on public lands in the United States by using design research and biomimicry. She has presented her research at the 108th Annual CAA Conference in Chicago, 50th Annual UCDA Design Conference, and the 2020 SEGD Academic Summit.

Sara’s interests in design research, biomimicry, and experiential design have led her to work on improving environmental experiences for users of hiking trail systems. Design research is at the forefront of her current project and is heavily based on user testing when designing trail signage and other wayfinding solutions. Sara has worked closely with the National Park Service for gathering and analyzing search and rescue data to find trends in hiking trail wayfinding.

Trained as a landscape architect and with many years of experience as a planner for the National Park Service, Babb leads the Alaska Region team at the NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program in support of community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across Alaska.

Zach manages a team of technical and outreach professionals to support conservation and recreation projects in partnership with community groups, nonprofits, tribes, and state and local governments. Working together with community groups, the NPS-RTCA team helps navigate and facilitate visioning and execution of the design of trails and parks - conserving and improving access to rivers, protecting special places, and creating recreation opportunities.

Anchorage Design Week Speaker Series: Sara Mitschke + Zachary Babb