South Middlesex Times

Website designer Heather Pinheiro was recently honored with the 2022 365: AIGA Year in Design award for her website, Power + Voice, which serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking information on reproductive rights access. The website also provides insights into the history of the Roe v. Wade case.

In her own words, Pinheiro shared the personal motivation behind her award-winning project, stating, "My grandmother was a passionate human rights activist... I had always admired her for paving the way not just for her own family, but for all women." Reflecting on her grandmother's influence, Pinheiro expressed that her passing just before the overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision in 2022 fueled her determination to create Power + Voice, saying, "This anger became the driving force behind Power + Voice."

Pinheiro recognized the confusion that arose following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, noting, "The aftermath of Roe v. Wade’s reversal inundated women with conflicting information." This led her to embark on a mission to gather accurate and comprehensive resources on topics such as abortion laws, access to birth control, and clinic regulations, as well as the legal implications post-Supreme Court ruling. She emphasized the importance of providing clarity in a time of uncertainty, sharing, "I decided to gather as much information as possible and compiled all these comprehensive resources in one accessible platform."

With over a decade of experience in web design, Pinheiro saw Power + Voice as an opportunity to leverage her skills for a meaningful cause, stating, "I have been a web designer for more than 10 years, and I could not think of a better time to put my design skills to use than on this project." She aimed to not only inform but also engage users through a narrative-driven and visually compelling experience. Pinheiro highlighted the potential of design to inspire positive change, expressing, "Through this project, I aimed to showcase the transformative potential of design in effecting positive change."

Pinheiro's dedication to creating a platform that empowers communities and promotes understanding underscores the impact of design in advocating for important social issues.