Hoppy Steps

Nezzle Mendez

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Michael Graves College

Major: BFA.GRAPHICDESIGN

Faculty Research Mentor: Denise Anderson

Abstract:

Hoppy Steps is a road safety awareness campaign designed for
high school students who commute along Somerset Street. At
New Brunswick High School, which has 2,504 students and a 92.4%
Hispanic population, many are Spanish-only speakers, highlighting
the need for clear and visual communication. An online survey of 25
students revealed that the main causes of accidents on Somerset
Street were speeding, distracted driving, and poor lighting. Many
students also reported feeling unsafe during rush hours and at
night. The project uses a playful frog mascot to grab attention and
deliver its message: always stay alert and look both ways, in a way
that is fun and easy to remember. Through humor, bright colors, and
expressive typography, Hoppy Steps connects with teens in a friendly
manner without sounding like a lecture. The campaign is simple and
quick to understand, even in busy school areas. Overall, Hoppy Steps
transforms a common safety reminder into something more playful,
relatable, and memorable for students.