Digital Commons Network^™

Wearther: An Ios Mobile Application For Women, Ting Kang

Theses

Have you ever wondered what to wear for the current weather and

later when you go outside you confirm that you were too optimistic

about your ability to endure the cold?

Wearther: an iOS Mobile Application for Women is an iOS Mobile

Application designed to help women choose the proper outfit that

matches the weather outside. It is an interaction design and visual

design project.

Unlike other dressing related application, "Wearther" is not a clothing

organizer or a fashion adviser. It is not a weather app either, although

it emphasizes weather. The concept of this project is to analyze real …

The Power Of Lyrical Protest: Examining The Rhetorical Function Of Protest Songs In The 2000s, Mary Elizabeth Quirk Cort

Theses

Until the late 1960s, serious scholarship involving the impact of popular music as political expression was lacking. Studies in rhetorical criticism tended to focus upon speeches, essays, and historical documents. Yet in the 1970s, protest songs were given more attention by scholars. However, this trend was not continued into the 2000s. By analyzing the ideological themes within the lyrics, this thesis examined the rhetorical function of protest songs performed during the 2000s. Functions identified include: historicizing a truth, using music and lyrics as a buffer to challenge a power structure, empowering the listener to overcome adversity, communicating a message to …

Axiom, Jon Fila, Peter Klinkon

Theses

Axiom is a short narrative video, using live-action and 3D computer graphics to re-interpret the Greek myth of Persephone through the framework of contemporary science-fiction. The aim of the video is to use narrative, approached from a design strategy that thematizes the representational role of 3D computer generated graphics, to raise questions in the minds of thoughtful viewers about the use of genetics and computer simulated worlds in the context of the vulnerable natural environment. The conceptualization of the video is explained, followed by a summary of the production pipeline, and finally an evaluation of the finished piece.

Veteran Identity And Gender Representation: A Critical Visual Analysis, Ruth Harvie

Theses

This study reveals struggles over gender and identity in the military and shows how representations embody cultural, political, and ideological tensions over the role of women in the military and society. A chronological series of Veterans Affairs (VA) posters communicate this over a thirty year period. Visual communication and the area of representation and identity have long been studied across multiple disciplines, but no studies exist that examine the VA images. A critical visual analysis with the application of semiotics and gender theory revealed that veteran identity is significantly different between representation of men and representation of women.

Benefits Of Video Presentations In Product Design, Alex Lobos

Articles

Product Design uses a human-centered process to develop solutions that solve unmet user needs. Because of the sequential nature of this activity, final designs are often presented in printed process books or digital slideshows, which visually communicate the development of the solution from start to finish rather than focusing just on the final result. Storytelling is a key element to consider when creating these process books in order to communicate the design solution as well as where it came from. An alternative to these presentations is the use of short videos, which offer the advantage of communicating the design process …

Why Run: A Website For New Runners, Irene C. Meyer

Theses

Running is one of the simplest forms of physical activity that a person can take part in, but can still seem daunting to someone who has never done it before. whyRun is a website that guides interested beginners, through a simple and easy user interface design, in the basics of the sport: Why they should get started, how to take those first steps, the different types of running, equipment needed, and how to stay safe and motivated.

I believe that running can genuinely change not only how a person

appears physically by getting a sedentary body into motion, but also …

I Am Pakistan, Shehzil Malik

Theses

I Am Pakistan is a project that aims to address the question of whether interaction design can be used to create human connections and foster the intrinsic motivation needed for becoming an agent of social change.

Pakistan is a country riddled with crippling problems such as poverty, illiteracy, terrorism and injustice. There is a need to make young people aware of proactive measures they can take to help change this dire situation.

Figures show that around 55% of Pakistani nationals are under the age of 25 with over 30 million Internet users in the population. This indicates that there is …

Design Genealogy, Casey Kelly

Theses

The importance of understanding and sharing graphic design history is under-appreciated. A few observations were taken into consideration regarding the sharing of design history information. Formats include content that is often text-dense and overwhelming. While great design history resources do exist, there is opportunity to develop a method for sharing design history that addresses these observations.

The Design Genealogy thesis project provides opportunity for the discovery of connections among designers and their work through a memorable, fun, and engaging learning experience. Its flexible format attempts to provoke inspiration, foster investigation, strengthen the retention of information, and encourage an eagerness to …

Understanding Effects Of Presentation On Concept Learning In Technology Supported Learning, Nivedita Singh

Theses

The world of technology has had a significant impact on learning and instructional domain. Today, a large number of devices and software are specifically designed to afford faster and effective learning and instruction. They have not only erased the physical boundaries to resources in education but have also helped create new interactions and engagements for learners and instructors. With this changed scenario, the content or instructional material also needs our attention to become usable and compatible with the changed learning styles and preferences of the learners today. Not only does the content need to seamlessly integrate with the delivery methodology …

Information In Formation: Cognition Inspired Objects And Furniture, Katherine Marsh

Theses

For this thesis, I intend to identify subject matters that reflect my interpretation of modern, relevant accounts about the world. Through research into the chosen subjects, I will gather related data and observations. This information will be processed to formulate relationships and narrative. Such graphic displays of information for these stories will be my inspiration. My interpretations will be further realized visually through my design process. Archetypes of the proposed furniture or object will be chosen based on the potential relationship between them and the chosen narrative topic. Visual abstractions and patterns will emerge from inspiration derived from the topographical …

Dreams And Memories, Sarah Arditti

Theses

In this document I analyze my work, process, and the success or failure of each piece in a body of artwork completed for the Masters of Fine Arts in Fine Arts Studio at Rochester Institute of Technology. My artwork explores personal dreams and memories through experimentation with material, color, technique and form. The works, a combination of paintings and objects, are each connected to a dream or memory and convey a paradox between reality versus illusion, or a sense of detachment from the real world.

Coup D'Oeil, Stephanie Quarto

Theses

coup d'oeil translates as "stroke of eye;" it also means a sudden blink or glimpse. It was used as a military term referring to a general's ability to assess with a single glance the advantages and disadvantages of a battlefield. I have titled this thesis coup d'oeil because it addresses the general lack of strategy and analysis by viewers of popular images. Images are omnipresent; they guide and influence humanity. They are not inherently adversarial, but when they assault both our conscious and unconscious minds, they can be extremely influential and destructive. The images in this thesis are similarly made …

Recreating East Asia Creatures That Exist In Mythology As Rpg Fantasy Characters, Woosang Kim

Theses

Today, MMORPG Games (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) are one of the most popular games in the PC online game genre because users can enjoy the game with other players. They can also choose their own characters and control the character`s avatar. Wide selection of characters available is one of the most important elements in the game. These characters have to be well-designed to draw the user`s attention. These characters, which appear in fantasy MMORPG (World of War craft), and their special features originate from Western myths and ancient stories. Likewise, East Asian has a long history with many myths …

Learn Html: A Refreshingly Fun Way To Learn The Foundations Of Html, Brandon Capp

Theses

Learn HTML is an interactive website with the purpose of teaching foundations of HTML. The website was designed to appeal to a teenage audience, ages 15 - 19 years old.

The nature of the website diverges away from the typical text based approach utilized in similar applications by abandoning a dependency on the heavy use of text to communicate information. Learn HTML, instead, features a strong use of graphic elements, visual metaphors, and a heavy focus on interactivity, all of which offer the user a visual representation of information.

Through interaction with the provided graphic elements and visual metaphors, the …

Using Multimedia To Promote Environmental Protection, Min-Wan Chiu

Theses

This interactive project allows users to explore what causes and affects environmental problems on Earth using papervision 3D. The purpose of this project is to provide a simple platform for users to be aware of the environmental issues and know how to improve the environment. Moreover, these environmental issues are discussed by scientists and environmental protection agencies. The environmental issues discussed are global warming, acid rain, and air pollution, which impact the quality of human life. Reading helps us learn so much truth that we may not be aware of. The traditional pop-up books give readers a deeper impression of …

Integrating Site-Specific Environmental Graphic Design Within An Urban Context, Sanjyot Wagle

Theses

There are opportunities for environmental graphic design solutions that can enable urban residents to grasp information faster, reach destinations sooner and foster memorable experiences. In the daily negotiation of city living there may also be opportunities for educating residents about meaningful community-related topics. Graphic design can play a key role in addressing these goals. Environmental graphic design and wayfinding can help make urban experiences easier and more interesting. Incorporating the strategies of layering and sequencing within environmental graphic design solutions can strengthen the overall design and the particular messages being conveyed. One socially important topic city residents need to be …

2013-2014 Graduate Bulletin, Rochester Institute Of Technology

RIT Digital Archives

No abstract provided.

White Trash, Heather Law

Theses

White Trash, is body of work that aims to reflect upon our personal role and contribution to the solid waste stream through routine consumption and waste disposal. From everything we eat and drink, to the refuse we flush down the drain, we all consume resources. Living in a materially saturated, mass-consumer society, we have evolved into an increasingly disposable culture. By identifying with our waste production, we then can better evaluate the pitfalls of our materialistic ways. Common consumer products stuffed inside a toilet creates a recognizable waste pattern found within the domestic household. Our trash is considered pollution. Once …

Creep-O-Meter: A Satirical Guide To Creepers, Alice Hallahan

Theses

The Creep-O-Meter app and book explore, and humorously exploit contemporary psychological and behavioral norms concerning the term "creeper." Together, the app and the book poke fun at people who practice awkward behavior, and humorously guide the user in the correct direction for both recognizing and handling potentially awkward social situations.

The end product is an interactive set of tools that can be used to educate, correct, or repel distasteful behavior.

Getting Attention For A Ceramic Art Exhibition: A Case Study Of A Nonprofit’S Promotional Campaign, Steven Bodnar

Theses

A participant-observation case study of a promotional campaign developed and implemented for a temporary, nonprofit ceramic art exhibition. The subject is introduced through a review of both theoretical and practical research examples centered on marketing and public relations for arts and cultural attractions. The present study offers a descriptive and evaluative analysis of the campaign's promotional strategies and tactics. Strategies discussed include promotional objectives, prospective audiences, assessment of available resources, and scheduling and implementation. The tactics include direct mail and email delivery of press releases, promotional materials, and the use of social media. Findings demonstrate that publicity generated primarily was …

Specimen, Mary Richardson

Theses

Ideas of human interaction and levels of physical construction touched upon in geometry and physics have saturated my practice for many years. Having come from a small town in Virginia and moving to a big city like Chicago, I was confronted with massive amounts of people, ideas, cultures, and stimuli of which I had never before conceived. I realized that how we interact as people is a similar dynamic found in molecular interaction. This same interaction takes place in celestial formation, plant growth, decomposition, and even emotion. As I came to terms with my own presence in the world, my …

A Cup Is A Corpse: A Thesis Project Implementing An Experimental Approach To Visual Communication And Advocating The Concept Of Slow Design, Yu Fen Kung

Theses

Based on the dissection of the phenomenon of coffee culture and the introspection of the negative environmental impact from the overwhelming usage of paper coffee cups, this thesis explores a design approach to advocate the paper coffee cup issue in an educational and experimental way. A Cup Is A Corpse is a thesis that defines the possibilities between environmental topic and design resolution. It is an advertising campaign targeted on local coffee shops, providing fundamental knowledge of the paper coffee cup matter to regular consumers. A slow design approach is applied to the final design application for the reason of …

Visual Communication In Cross–Cultural Design, Fan Jiang

Theses

The Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle that ancient Chinese people use to count years, is considered as a very important and seminal part of traditional culture in China and. Now, more and more foreigners are being introduced to this traditional culture of China. Consequently, there are many books about Chinese Zodiac have been published because of its increasing exposure. Currently, though people have access to a large variety of information about Chinese Zodiac, most of the information is ineffective. Through research and conceptual experimentation, effective visual design solutions that convey the essence of the Chinese Zodiac were developed in this …

Credibility On Cable News: An Examination Of The Factors That Establish Credibility In Newscasters, Jonathan Mertel

Theses

This study investigates the factors that contribute to and hinder a cable newscaster's establishment of credibility with their audiences. Considerations were made for political factors, exposure to newscasters, para-social relationship strength and visual credibility. A survey was administered online that obtained a sample of 139 participants. Findings suggest that audience members reporting high levels of exposure to newscasters tended to have higher credibility perceptions. The ability to recognize a newscaster was not a significant indicator of credibility perceptions. Newscasters that were perceived to have liberal political views tended to be perceived as more credible than those perceived as having more …

Color Charm: Interactive Color Theory & Color Reflection, Chia-Huei Yen

Theses

"Choosing colors should not be a gamble. It should be a conscious decision. Colors have meaning and function." ~Verner Panton For those of us who have been blessed with the gift of sight, we are able to see various kinds of colors all around us. We are very fortunate to have this gift. However, how many people are able to recognize the value of a given color? What is the attribute that constitutes a color's hue or its saturation? All of us who have this gift can say that we enjoy the ability to see all of these colors, but …

Skirr, Melissa Tierney

Theses

SKIRR is an animated graduate thesis that showcases 6 different environments and the life within them. It focuses on the beauty of life and art, and the creation of both. This film is comprised of 3D, 2D, and stop motion animation. It was produced digitally using various video, audio and animation software. The following paper outlines the development and production of this film. I address concept, style and influences, goals, production process and overall experience. To further illustrate the creative process, supplementary materials are included.

Graphic Design + Biomimicry, Margaret Mckosky

Theses

GRAPHIC DESIGN + BIOMIMICRY: Integrating Nature into Modern Design Practices is a thesis that explores how to effectively integrate the methodologies and principles of graphic design and biomimicry. The objective is to create an innovative design process resulting in successful, sustainable and timeless design solutions. This process is meant to remind designers of the benefits nature has to offer in helping us solve many of the problems that society is currently grappling with today. Nature over 3.8 billion years has already used its imaginative prowess to find what works, what is appropriate, and most importantly, what lasts here on Earth. …

Consumers' Self-Image Response To Gender Portrayal In Advertising Images, Rebecca Delaney

Theses

Previous empirical research has examined the effect of advertising image idealization on self-image issues, but many of these studies neglect to take into account the effects on men. By developing an experiment to include key components from previous methods of research, the present study investigates the effects of gender portrayal in advertising images. The purpose of this study is to examine consumers' responses to the advertising stimulus, or the advertising images of gender. Inconsistent with past research, findings suggest there is less disparity between men and women's reactions after viewing gender portrayals in advertising images. It is suggested that there …

Hunger For The Hungry: Understanding And Benefitting The Global Hungry Through Installation Art And Post-Digital Interactive Design, Doug Burnett

Theses

Remember when your dad used to tell you not to waste your vegetables because people in Africa were starving? And remember how you looked down at those mushy brussels sprouts and said, “Let them eat it then!” Well, you should. In fact, if everyone did, we would effectively end world hunger.

How can this story be told? Installation art has the potential to make a powerful, tangible impact on participants but on relatively few people. Interactive design can reach many hut often with a shallow impact. What can be accomplished through a new fusion of these two media?

Installation art, …

Tractatus, Rodrigo Gonzalo Encinar

Theses

Tractatus is an act of criticism concerned with the current matters of economy, war and home. The work visually investigates through a range of interdisciplinary projects issues related to the nature of the photographic medium and the functioning of the capitalist system. Tractatus uses systematic methodologies embedded in Conceptualism that focus on a more complex, more politicized and more critical understanding of photographs, interrogating the documentary use of the camera.