Rolling Into Community Connection: Designing Chesterfield County’s Mobile Information and Resource Vehicle (MIRV)
When Chesterfield County wanted to engage more directly with its community, they envisioned a solution that would bring information and resources directly to residents, in effect, meeting them where they were. Enter the Mobile Information and Resource Vehicle (MIRV), the county’s first information center on wheels, designed to inform residents and visitors about the diverse attractions and resources available throughout the county.
Turning a Retired Ambulance Into a Community Connector
Chesterfield County partnered with our creative team to transform a retired ambulance into their engaging mobile resource center. The primary design goals were:
- Visibility and Engagement: The vehicle needed to capture attention at community events.
- Educational Messaging: It had to communicate the variety of activities available in the county, from dining to outdoor recreation.
- Welcoming Presence: Most importantly, it needed to feel friendly and approachable, avoiding the intimidating look often associated with government vehicles.
Designing with Community at Heart
Our creative team was challenged by the complex structure of the retired ambulance with its many bumps and windows. Here’s how we approached it:
Vibrant Design and Inclusive Messaging
We wanted the MIRV to feel fun and approachable while staying true to Chesterfield’s brand identity. To achieve this, we:
- Designed Icons: Icons representing county activities, from kayaking and hiking to dining and shopping, were used to engage a broad audience.
- Used County Colors: While maintaining brand consistency, we applied Chesterfield’s colors to the playful, vibrant icons.
- Inclusive Language: The word “Welcome” was displayed in multiple languages on the back of the vehicle, signaling an inclusive and friendly resource center.
Since its launch, MIRV has attended countless county events, delivering on its promise to bring information directly to residents and visitors. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents appreciate the access to information, and community members can even request MIRV at their local events, increasing its reach and impact.
Jim Holland, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisor Chair and Dale District Supervisor, said “This is an opportunity for us to really reach populations with resources and information right in their neighborhoods. Chesterfield is a very large county, with a diverse cross-section of people and neighborhoods. Sometimes we have to meet these residents where they are, and this new vehicle provides us a tremendous opportunity to do so.” By bringing information directly to neighborhoods, Chesterfield County is demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and proactive community engagement.
This project was our creative team’s first-ever vehicle wrap. Tackling the unique challenges of designing for a retired ambulance pushed our creativity and problem-solving skills to new heights. We loved bringing this vision to life and are proud to see MIRV making a positive impact across Chesterfield County.
Jada Carpenter
As a senior account executive within Hodges’ Creative Services department, Jada applies her more than seven years of experience in developing brand identities, website design and visual social media content for a range of Hodges’ clients.
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