At Made by Boto®, we believe design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about belonging. This year’s QIP Mardi Gras event was a vivid reminder of how space, language, and symbols shape people’s sense of being seen and respected. We were honoured to showcase our QIP x MBB® Pride Collection and capture a series of short video interviews with community members, each offering personal reflections on what inclusive signage means to them — and how even small changes in design can have profound effects. QIP interviews about the effects of inclusive signage on everyday people Why it matters The QIP Mardi Gras event was more than a celebration; it was a call to action. It showed how inclusive design can shift culture from performative gestures to lived belonging. Whether it’s a door plate, a directional arrow, or a digital display, every detail communicates: Do you belong here? Are you safe? Were you considered? At Made by Boto®, we’re proud to collaborate with communities like QIP to co-create signage systems that embody dignity, visibility, and care. Events like Mardi Gras remind us that inclusion isn’t just a principle — it’s a practice, shaped by design choices we make every day. View the Queers in Property x Made by Boto® Pride Collection. Learn more about QIP: Queers in Property QIP Linkedin QIP Facebook QIP Instagram

Meet Eva, founder of Studio Z and the innovative new venture, Signage Made by Boto®. With a background in product design and interior architecture, Eva brings a global perspective and deep passion for creating inclusive and accessible spaces. Portrait picture of Eva Krane by Ken Friberg Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do? My name is Eva. I grew up in a rural area of Northern (West-)Germany in the 80s. I spent my childhood playing baseball, soccer, and ice hockey with my two older brothers and their friends. My Mum was a chef, and my Dad was a mechanic turned engineer. Our family had an amazing workshop and were often building or repairing things together. I loved the process of creating so, when I decided to study product design and interior architecture in the Netherlands, it seemed like a natural progression to my hands-on childhood of dreaming, designing, creating, and making. I was quite an adventurer in my 20s and traveled extensively. My wanderlust took me to live in the south of France, London, and Los Angeles before finding myself at home in Sydney. Every place has unique features, similarities and differences in people and culture. I also love language and how certain words only exist in certain places. I am fascinated by how meaning is influenced by context, an individual’s lived experience, and the interpretations we put onto meaning. I have had my design studio, Studio Z, for 8 years. We provide custom-made products to the architectural industry. The products we design include signage, glazing film, custom handwoven rugs, fabrics, and wallcoverings, mostly for the commercial sector. All products are made to order, and most are locally manufactured. Architects can specify a pattern from our existing library or commission us to create something bespoke for a specific project. I also advise on regulations and optimising wayfinding through my products and designs. We release a new collection annually, the inspiration can come from anywhere but usually from areas I am passionate about including literature, philosophy, nature, and society at large. The patterns translate narrative into visual stories and signage assists in the delivery of it all. I am especially interested in themes that cover belonging, psychology, and societal structures, how people experience space and the way certain elements can contribute to exclusion rather than being inclusive and welcoming to all. I saw an opportunity for a product that could improve the experience of some of our more vulnerable groups of people… this is how my new business, ‘Signage Made by Boto®’ was conceived. All Gender Toilet Signage - Capsule Shape and Sun base How did you become passionate about designing signage that balances accessibility with aesthetics? Well, I didn’t wake up one day thinking, ‘Yes, I’ll become a toilet signage designer’! It was a journey. Throughout my travels around the world, I found myself taking pictures of signage solutions at airports, train stations, museums, restaurants, libraries, and educational institutions. Often what was missing was design orientated but what stood out was the lack of inclusion in design, especially for minorities and non-binary recognition. It took me years, the encouragement of many people, and situations along the way to navigate the way-finding space. Standard signage currently available in Australia is often an afterthought or a last-minute inclusion – a regulatory box that needs to be ticked. I’ve seen signage being taken down after the DDA inspections, which is not only un-ethical but also unlawful. More inclusive terminology and symbology can influence tolerance by giving subtle hints on how we relate to each other and move through the world. My life experience has led me to have encounters with a great cross-section of people. People of mixed abilities, cultural differences, and gender diversity in particular. I have had close friends who have gone through gender transitioning, their journey has given me insights into the vulnerable moments that can arise, especially in public spaces. I wanted to create beautiful signage solutions to be proud of, not an afterthought. Our signage packages are beautiful, easy to specify (or order online), inclusive, and make people of all abilities and backgrounds feel welcome. Universal design principles aim to create products, environments and services that are welcoming and usable by the most diverse range of people. This is the goal of Signage Made by Boto®. Safe Space Signage in Classic and Carbon base What challenges you as a creative? I find closed-minded attitudes challenging. Conservatism, misogyny, judgemental or narrow-minded people and groups. People who avoid curiosity and are unwilling to join the journey, change perspective, and take the lead on a new idea. I believe in kindness, inclusion, and that we are all equal. Every challenge is an opportunity to make a difference. My goal is to shed light on blind spots in myself and others. I recently came across a statistic that 83% of female migrant women in the construction industry have experienced sexual harassment. What a chilling number and hindrance to retaining talent and creating a diverse workforce. How on earth can we tackle the big issues, like global warming and the polarisation of societies, when we can’t live and work peacefully together? Overall, Sydney is a great example of a peaceful multicultural society, but we can always do better and set a precedent for other countries at the same time. With Boto, I’d like to develop signage pieces that tackle these issues. Another challenge is the notion of quick and fast in the design industry, without much consideration for the long-term consequences on people, places, and the planet. Providing quality products with competitive pricing whilst focussing on local manufacturing is a long-term strategy. I truly believe this is attractive for our community and civic institutions especially. With such diverse sectors as retail, health, education, and workplace, how do you adapt your design strategy to each unique setting? Whilst there are common aspects to signage and way-finding across these sectors, each project requires a slightly different strategy which is refined to suit the project and audience. Terminology and design are influenced by the type of building, its location, and the people navigating the space. In multicultural settings, language and symbology may be a big factor, in a cultural facility or especially in hospitality settings, the tone of voice and playfulness of the design may be more pressing. In health and aged living it’s a lot more about functionality and ease of navigation. Education can be nurturing or informative to underpin the institution’s values and connection to Country. I’d love to work on more projects where we can expand on language and understanding and inclusion of the longest-living culture in the world, whilst I also see opportunities in the multi-cultural sector and mixed abilities realm. Neurodiversity is also an interesting area where I believe we will see much change in the coming years. Quiet spaces or hours of operation have already become popular in supermarkets and this is also affecting the workspace and the entertainment industries. Waste and Kitchen Tactile Signage in Capsule shape and Carbon base Can you talk us through your creative process? International, local, and societal research from a variety of sources including words and visuals assists me to form a concept. I am not very process-driven, but I think deeply about ideas, designs, products, and the why. Guided by intuition as well as integrating what a project needs, rather than what the client wants. Often the result is a bit of both 😉 On a more personal level, I went through a period of a few years when I questioned almost everything I was doing. I was looking for deeper meaning in my work and my life. With the help of mentors, friends, and therapists I was able to define my values and goals which has led me to create a platform that allows me to connect with people who share my values and create a safe community for myself at the same time. Having experienced emotional neglect, harassment, and serious sexual assault has given me insights into trauma-informed decision-making and has motivated me to create long-lasting change. I believe that the work we choose wholeheartedly will give us meaning and become an integral part of our lives and extended identity. Here is to creating safe environments for generations to come! What has been your biggest influence (person or experience) career-wise to date? That’s a tough one. I can’t pinpoint one person or experience as I believe that we are a product of our environment and that a career is not linear. I am inspired by history and literature that focus on achievements by women and LGBTQIA+ people, psychology, and philosophy. I am fascinated by the story of the physicist and mathematician Mileva Marić, Albert Einstein’s first wife. Her contributions to the theories published under her husband’s name and the unfortunate reality of not being recognised at the time. The poetry of Rupi Kaur and Audre Lorde gives my soul a place to dwell. The work of XYX Lab at Monash University is an incredible resource for anyone looking into gender-sensitive design practices and theory. They make spatial inequity visible in creative and informative ways. Philanthropist Judith Nealson who offers Sydneysiders free entry to the White Rabbit Gallery and Phoenix, what a hero! Marina Abramovic and her performances make us think about the human condition. International thought leaders Teal Swan, Brenee Brown, Gabor Maté, and young activists Chanel Contos and Sarah Williams. These are the kind of people I look up to and their work has greatly influenced my thinking and the choices I’ve made thus far. I have reached a point where the boundaries between career and personal interests have blended with no clear distinction between them currently. When we make space for personality in our workplaces, respect for diversity and different perspectives and lifestyles can flourish and we open ourselves up to be influenced by wonderful people from all walks of life around us. This Interview was originally published by the Design Show in January 2025 , the questions were formulated by Betty Yeung .

Interview with Storm Hassett on Gender-Affirming Design At Made by Boto®, we believe design is never neutral. The way spaces are shaped — and the way people move through them — communicates care, safety, and belonging. For transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse communities, design choices can have profound impacts, especially in healthcare environments where affirmation is vital. I had the privilege of speaking with  Storm Hassett , Director of the Gender Identity Clinic, who is at the forefront of gender-affirming healthcare in Australia. Storm shares how the built environment and design can reinforce dignity, reduce anxiety, and ensure that every person feels recognised and respected when accessing care. Storm Hassett, Director of The Identity Clinic Your clinic plays a critical role in supporting transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. How do you see the built environment — especially signage — influencing a person’s sense of safety and affirmation when accessing services? I know what it feels like to walk into spaces and feel like you do not belong. Growing up in foster care, in homes that were volatile and unsafe, there were nights my little brother and I literally slept outside waiting for a door that never opened. That feeling of invisibility stays with you. At The Identity Clinic, we want every sign, every door, every wall to send the opposite message: you belong here, you are safe here, you matter.  Signage is more than practical, it is emotional. Seeing yourself reflected, even in the smallest detail, can soften the weight of anxiety and remind you that you are not alone. In healthcare settings, wayfinding can either reduce or heighten anxiety. What principles do you believe should guide signage design in gender-affirming spaces? For me, the guiding principles are clarity, neutrality, and affirmation. Confusing directions do not just get you lost, they make you feel disoriented and unseen. Neutrality means signage does not assume or exclude anyone. And affirmation is about small but intentional cues such as pronouns respected, inclusive symbols, and language that does not pathologise identity. At The Identity Clinic, wayfinding is never just about getting from point A to B. It is about saying we see you, we thought of you, and you belong here. Lived experience is central to your work. How does your team ensure that the voices, values, and needs of the community are reflected in every touchpoint of the clinic, from intake to the physical space? I grew up protecting my siblings before I ever really knew what safety felt like. That shaped everything about who I am. At The Identity Clinic, every single person on our team is queer and neurodivergent. We do not theorise about what affirming care should look like, we live it. From intake forms to waiting rooms, we design with the knowledge of what it feels like to be misgendered, dismissed, or made invisible. And we are always listening to our community, co-designing and adapting. Our clinic is not just for the community, it is the community. Beyond inclusive language, how can behaviour and visual design communicate gender-affirming care without reinforcing stereotypes? Stereotypes cut deep. Too often people are expected to look or act a certain way to be “valid.” At our clinic, we work hard to ensure design and behaviour do not put anyone into boxes. That means no pink and blue binaries, no tokenistic rainbow branding that feels performative. Instead, we lean into behaviour such as asking pronouns every time, never assuming, and listening deeply. Visual design should be a doorway that opens possibilities, not one that limits them. Cognitive and sensory accessibility is often overlooked in signage. How might clinics like yours benefit from designs that also consider neurodiverse individuals and people with mixed abilities? As a neurodivergent-run clinic, this is not abstract for us, it is personal. Harsh lights, cluttered spaces, or walls of overwhelming text can shut people out before they have even reached a clinician. We focus on sensory-friendly colour palettes, clear fonts, and simple, accessible symbols. That kind of design reduces overwhelm. It helps neurodiverse folks feel held, and honestly, it makes the environment better for everyone. Accessibility is not an afterthought, it is the heartbeat of belonging. Do you see opportunities for healthcare providers to collaborate with design studios like Made by Boto® to co-create signage and wayfinding systems that reflect lived experience? Absolutely. Healthcare cannot hold this responsibility alone. When we collaborate with design studios, we are able to pair affirming clinical care with creative environments that feel intentional and safe. When design meets lived experience, dignity is the outcome. Doors, signage, and spaces become more than functional, they become invitations. Partnerships like this are how we build futures where our community does not just survive, but thrives. Many people accessing gender-affirming healthcare have faced environments that feel clinical or alienating. What small but powerful changes in design or otherwise have you seen make the biggest difference? It is often the small things that create the biggest sigh of relief. An intake form that asks for chosen name and pronouns. A waiting room wall covered in art made by queer creators. Even lighting that is softer and more welcoming. I have watched people’s shoulders drop just from those cues. To some, they might seem minor. But when you have spent your life being rejected or erased, those little affirmations mean the world. Looking ahead, what does your vision of an ideal gender-affirming healthcare environment look like, and what elements are most crucial to help bring that to life? My vision is simple: a place where no one feels alone, unsafe, or unseen. A clinic where design, language, and care work together to hold people in joy and safety. Where every sign whispers you are valid,  every wall says you belong,  and every interaction reinforces we are with you.  The most important ingredient is not a material one, it is intention. If we keep our community at the centre of every decision, the environment itself becomes an act of care and affirmation. Storm’s perspective reminds us that inclusive design is not just about accessibility or compliance — it is about care. Every choice, from the words on a door to the colour of a wall, has the power to affirm identity and restore dignity. At Made by Boto®, we are proud to collaborate with leaders like Storm to create signage and wayfinding systems that reflect lived experience and foster environments where everyone belongs. Links for more info below. The Identity Clinic Storm Hassett on Linkedin

Boto® is committed to inclusive design and accessibility for all. Our website and signage meet WCAG 2.1 AA and Australian Standards (AS 1428.1), supporting users of all abilities. We ensure accessible navigation, screen reader compatibility, and DDA-compliant braille and tactile signage for public and commercial spaces. Contact us for support or feedback. Accessibility Statement This statement was last updated in May 2025. At Boto® Signage, accessibility is at the heart of everything we do. As specialists in braille and tactile signage, we are deeply committed to creating digital and physical experiences that are inclusive, barrier-free, and respectful of people of all abilities. Our Commitment Madebyboto.com is designed and maintained with accessibility in mind. We aim to meet or exceed the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, and we monitor emerging standards such as WCAG 2.2 and inclusive design frameworks to ensure continuous improvement. We recognise the diversity of human ability and are committed to serving individuals with: Vision impairments (including blindness, low vision, and colour blindness) Mobility or physical challenges Cognitive or neurological differences (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, autism) Hearing impairments and deafness Speech or communication differences Temporary disabilities and situational limitations (e.g., low bandwidth, noisy environments) Key Accessibility Features Semantic HTML with accessible markup and ARIA labels Keyboard navigability and logical tab order High-contrast colour palettes for legibility Alt text on all meaningful images Screen reader compatibility Responsive design for use across all devices Clear, readable fonts and consistent heading hierarchy Plain language content wherever possible Design for Mixed Abilities In alignment with the social model of disability, we strive to eliminate design barriers—not accommodate around them. We consider: Neurodivergent users by offering uncluttered layouts, predictable navigation, and minimal distractions Cognitive load reduction through concise content and visual support Inclusive language and imagery that reflect diverse people and experiences Touch target optimization for users with motor impairments or assistive tech Continuous Improvement Accessibility is an ongoing process. We conduct periodic audits, user testing (where feasible), and review updates from the Australian Human Rights Commission, W3C, and Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) to guide our updates. We welcome feedback from users of all abilities. If you encounter an accessibility barrier on madebyboto.com or require assistance accessing content, please contact us. Boto® Signage – Made to Include.

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Boto® Signage (madebyboto.com) provides custom braille and tactile signage designed for accessibility, compliance, and durability. Serving Australian businesses, we offer premium signage solutions for facilities, wayfinding, and End of Trip areas. Terms & Conditions General Disclaimer Madebyboto.com is provided “as is” and “as available.” While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website, BOTO Signage makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, about the content’s accuracy, reliability, or suitability for any purpose. We reserve the right to update or modify the website’s content, products, or services without notice. Use of this website is at your own risk. BOTO Signage will not be liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or inability to use this website or its content, including but not limited to indirect or consequential damages. Privacy Policy We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Data Collection: We may collect personal information such as your name, email address, contact details, and purchase history when you interact with our website or place an order. Use of Information: Collected data is used to process orders, respond to inquiries, and improve user experience. Your data will never be sold or shared with third parties without your consent, except where required by law. Cookies: Our website uses cookies to enhance browsing functionality and for analytical purposes. You can disable cookies via your browser settings. Copyright and Intellectual Property All content on madebyboto.com—including text, graphics, logos, images, product descriptions, and digital downloads—is the property of BOTO Signage or its content suppliers and is protected under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). No part of this website may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from BOTO Signage. You may view, download, and print pages for personal, non-commercial use only, provided that all copyright and proprietary notices remain intact. Product Information and Availability All products and prices displayed are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable. We make every effort to ensure that product descriptions and images are accurate. However, we do not warrant that product details are error-free. Product availability is subject to change without notice. Governing Law These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes arising from or related to the use of this website will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in New South Wales. For questions regarding our Terms & Conditions, please contact us. Business Summary BOTO Signage (madebyboto.com ) provides custom braille and tactile signage designed for accessibility, compliance, and durability. Serving Australian businesses, we offer premium signage solutions for facilities, commercial and civic projects.