Context and Motivation
Calls for political neutrality are increasingly used to delegitimise civil society and democratic engagement. Associations, initiatives and cultural organisations are often accused of being “too political” when they position themselves against racism, exclusion or anti-democratic movements.
Nicht Neutral is a critical communication design project that challenges this narrative. Based on a legal and political analysis, the project clarifies that civil society is not bound by a neutrality requirement — but by a democratic responsibility. Neutrality, when confronted with anti-democratic positions, becomes complicity.
Design Approach
The project translates complex legal and political arguments into an accessible visual language. Designed as a practical handbook, Nicht Neutral combines editorial design and strong visual signals to empower associations and initiatives to act with confidence.
The design deliberately avoids neutral aesthetics. Instead, it uses contrast, friction and clear positioning to underline its core message: there is no neutral civil courage.
Visual Strategy
The visual system is built around expressive typography, reduced colour schemes and disruptive layouts. Text blocks function both as information carriers and as political statements. Visual tension mirrors the societal tension addressed in the content. Design here is not decorative — it is argumentative. The visual language supports the handbook’s goal of enabling action, reflection and democratic positioning.
Impact & Relevance
Nicht Neutral serves as a concrete tool for associations, cultural organisations and initiatives navigating political pressure. It provides legal clarity, argumentative support and practical guidance on how to position oneself democratically without fear of false neutrality claims.
The project exemplifies how critical communication design can strengthen democratic culture, support education and contribute to a resilient civil society.
