Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

"Because I Like It? No, They Made Me Do It!!" Why Juveniles Engage In Sexting, Jennifer Ann Haegele

Theses

Developments in technology have changed the way we do everything; advanced our research capabilities, enhanced our communication abilities and speeds, even the way people commit crimes. It provides perpetrators with a new way to commit traditional crimes as well as new forms of crime. One of the many opportunities involved with increased communication devices is known as sexting. Adolescent sexting has received national and local attention due to possible long-term implications such as registering as a sex offender and even suicide. Sexting, which is considered an antisocial behavior among adolescents, has progressively become implicated in peer pressure as well. Peer …

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 …

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 …

Essential Learning Objectives For Graphic Designers, Post Secondary, William Joshua Weaver

Theses

Graphic designers today need to possess a wide variety of skill sets in order to adequately perform their duties. The skill sets include areas of study in Art, Design, Computer Technology, and Print Technology. My goal is to find what learning objectives in these areas and others are essential for a person to become a graphic designer. A need for this arose from an observation of a growing gap between Art and Technology with emphasis on academic setting to professional setting. The reasons for the gap are that the range of knowledge and skills needed by today’s graphic designers has …

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.

Culturally Sensitive Document Design For An Eastern Asia Audience: Comprehension And Preference, Merridith Smith

Theses

An investigation into Eastern Asia audiences in China, Japan, and Korea determined how intercultural communication affects non-native readers' comprehension and perception of a document design. The study, an after-only experiment, used a small-sized sample from people who were In-Country Reviewers (ICRs) and knew of medical products in Eastern Asia and had knowledge in the area's local language. The subjects read an indigenously or non-indigenously designed document, and self-reported their comprehension and preferences for formatting style. Although the statistics showed no significant difference between the groups, on any variable tested (language, comprehension, and format), the qualitative data that were gathered can …

The Dao Of Graphic Design— A Study Of Interrelationship Between The Daodejing In Chinese Daoism And Graphic Design, Rong Chen

Theses

Dao has been accumulated for centuries and still remains strong and pertinent to the world today. It is a complex and intriguing philosophy that has many branches and colors. This paper is an analysis of the similarities and differences between the principles held in Daoism and Graphic Design. It is also an interpretation from my personal understanding of both. The concepts derived from my research are presented through several examples, which included the following design principles: Unity, Nature and Wu Wei. The purpose of this thesis is to serve as a bridge, which links concepts of graphic design with Daoism. …

Visual And Textual Appeals In Banner Advertising: A Content Analysis, Louis Perez

Theses

This study investigated textual and visual variables of banner advertisements. A number of research questions were addressed by content analyzing banner advertisements from social media and social networking Websites, including YouTube and Facebook. Implications of linking types of banner advertisements to types of social media sites, including differences between visual and textual content of banner advertisements, are addressed. Results indicate that there were notable differences between banner advertisements found on these sites. Ads are more likely to contain greater visual aspects such as animation on social media sites than they are on social networking sites. Further studies should examine how …

Art For Healing; Art For Consciousness Change, Robert Neill

Theses

From a very early age I have been drawn to create art. I have followed this passion closely throughout my entire life. After acquiring a master's degree in art education, and subsequently, teaching high school art for 3 years I was compelled to enter the MFA program at Rochester Institute of Technology with a concentration in painting and new forms. Through this process, I discovered a great calling. After the first year of study in the MFA program I traveled to Tibet. This journey was instrumental in the formation of my thesis: Art for Healing, Art for Consciousness Change, as …

Iread: An Application For Enhanced Reader Navigation On E-Reading Tablet Devices, Sarah Fedigan

Theses

As the digital world is becoming more and more a part of people's daily lives, the publishing industry has begun to evolve. The traditional print codex form of the book has been challenged by new technologies that have brought traditional books into the digital world--e-books. Reading has become evermore digital. Many of the current technologies for e-reading, whether it is the devices or the applications, are lacking navigation tools which limit the reader's experience in comparison to reading a printed book. The goal of this thesis project was to design an application for reading e-books, to be used on tablet …

Design For Good: The Philosophical Alignment Of The Arts And Crafts, Modernist, And Handmade Movements, Kate Palermo

Theses

The early 1990's marked the beginning of the digital age when a transformation in graphic design technology and practice began to occur. For many graphic designers, the tactile approach to assembling a composition was abandoned as computer software advanced. While this shift in production technique saved time, it contributed (in many cases) to an unfortunate waning of interest in skill and craft. Perhaps as a reaction to this technologically- reliant era of design, many contemporary artists have returned to traditional processes (letterpress, etching, hand-rendered illustration, hand-written type) in order to reconnect with viewers and with their own work. This `Handmade' …

The Twelve Animals: An Interactive Guide To The Chinese Zodiac Signs, Yanzi Chen

Theses

The Chinese Zodiac signs are determined by the lunar year in which you were born. The Chinese believe the animal ruling one's birth year has a profound influence on personality, and destiny. Unlike Western astrology, which is based on the months of the year, the Chinese Zodiac,traditionally referred to as the Sheng Xiao, is based on a twelve-year cycle with each year represented by an animal. The twelve animals are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The Chinese Zodiac is found in several East Asian countries besides China. My thesis is an exploration …

Audience Feedback As An Influence On Graphic Design Problem Solving, Christopher Petrides

Theses

User-generated feedback is arguably the most efficient tool to evaluate a specific product or service. Even though it is widely used to evaluate and subsequently improve video game design, it is not commonly used for graphic design applications. The aim of this thesis is to demonstrate how user-generated feedback can be utilized to improve existing graphic design applications. Specifically, three types of feedback collection vehicles were selected for use in graphic design: personal observation, evaluation polls, and existing video game design feedback. In order to demonstrate the advantage of using user generated feedback, information collected through the feedback collection vehicles …