Digital Commons Network^™

Semiotic Breakdown In Disaster Evacuation Signage For International Tourists, Mario Christopher Fimbrez

Masters Theses

Japan’s disaster evacuation signage systems are highly standardized and widely regarded as effective for the domestic population, who operate within a shared cultural framework shaped by years of earthquake drills, formal disaster education, and a common visual vocabulary for risk and evacuation. In coastal cities like Kamakura, however, the audience composition has changed significantly, with millions of international visitors now navigating these spaces each year without the disaster literacy or cultural familiarity that the existing signage was designed to assume. When those shared assumptions about urgency, symbolism, and environmental threat are absent, the communicative force of the system can be …

Zineth, Colin Wilcox

Theses

This thesis asks whether a brand can generate real engagement without surrendering to an algorithm, and whether web design can recover the color, mystery, and sense of discovery it traded away as the internet corporatized. Daily internet use has risen every year on record, yet the spaces users inhabit have flattened into grey buttons and endless feeds. This question is answered through Zineth, a hybrid brand universe told across three coordinated forms: a Risograph-printed zine, a dense and layered website, and limited clothing drops. The zine operates as a key. Codes printed in its pages unlock gated areas of the …

From Grid To Freedom: A Comparative Analysis Of Canva’S Guardrails And Adobe Illustrator’S Design Flexibility, Caroline Wilmes

Theses

This project focuses on graphic design software becoming increasingly accessible and questions emerging regarding the role of professional designers and the value of industry-standard design tools. This project examines the differences between Canva, a widely used template-driven design platform, and Adobe Illustrator, a professional vector-based design application. Through a hands-on, project-based research approach, the same brand identity was developed in both programs, including a style guide, business card, website homepage mock-up, and tri-fold. The comparison focused on workflow efficiency, creative freedom, typography, color management, scalability, and production readiness.

Findings revealed that Canva excels in accessibility, speed, and ease of use …

Returning To The Third Place: For Mental And Spiritual Well-Being, Angela M. Creason

Masters Theses

This study investigates the impact of Generation Z’s (Gen Z’s) digital immersion and post-COVID lifestyle patterns on their interpersonal relationships. The literature shows that anxiety, continuous online connectivity, and pseudo-relationships developed through social media hinder their ability to form and maintain face-to-face connections. Using case studies, visual analyses, and research-grounded graphic design, the project examines how Gen Z utilizes coffee shops as a hybrid space for work and selective social interaction. The analysis shows that this generation is open to in-person engagement when environments feel convenient, low-pressure, and aligned with their values. These findings inform the development of Percolate, a …

Silent Invaders: Stopping The Spread Of The Spotted Lanternfly, Sloane Z. Hall

Masters Theses

The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect originating from China, has rapidly spread across the United States, harming agriculture, forestry, and surrounding ecosystems. It’s destructive feeding behavior severely impacts grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwoods, which directly affects wine production, farm communities, and local environments. The aim of this research was to investigate the biological, ecological, and economic stakes of the infestation, as well as the methods currently used to monitor and control its spread. Specifically, it examines how communication frameworks, design practices, and extension approaches influence producers’ adoption of recommended Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols. Through the research, a literature review, …

Edges That Touch, Tommi Bonomo

LSU Master's Theses

Gender, a social construct, exists on a spectrum that is shaped by social, cultural, and embodied experience. Edges That Touch examines the instability of gender through the lens of combat sports, focusing on the way the hypermasculine environment abstracts femme identities. Informed by my lived experience, the work investigates the paradox in which empowerment and alienation coexist and destabilizes gender binaries.

Edges That Touch uses experimental graphic design processes and mixed media to recreate the psychological landscape and emotional realities that I navigated as a cisgender woman in the world of combat sports. I use visual techniques that obscure legibility …

How Expert Designers Foster Expertise: A Study Of Professional Visual Communication Practice, Grant Ellmers, Marius Foley, Juliana Peloche

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

While design expertise has been widely studied across domains such as industrial design, engineering and architecture, visual communication design has received limited attention. Earlier research examined novice designers’ development of reflective capability, and its link to expertise progression. This study extends that work by investigating how expertise manifests and is fostered among experienced designers within visual communication design practice. Through in-depth interviews with five experienced designers (20–35 years’ industry experience), this qualitative case study employed thematic analysis grounded in Schön’s reflective-practice theory and Lawson and Dorst’s (2013) design-expertise model. This approach enabled close examination of how reflective processes, mentoring structures …

Understanding Barriers To High School Teen Self-Expression, Connection & Inclusion., Susana Estes

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the invisible barriers that prevent high school students from expressing their identities, forming meaningful connections, and experiencing a sense of belonging within school environments. Drawing on research in adolescent development, school climate, psychology of belonging, and participatory design, the study identifies structural, emotional, and social factors that contribute to student disconnection. Through a review of key theorists and three case studies, the research reveals that teens need structured opportunities for safe self-expression, visible affirmation of their identities, and accessible spaces for reflective interaction. In response, this thesis presents a research-informed interactive design solution: a two-part installation titled …

Love Culture, R. J. Mcdonald Jr.

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

Redesigning Municipal Logos In Kosovo: Visual Identity, Legal Framework, And Graphic Design Principles, Ardita Rizvanolli, Trim Basha

UBT International Conference

This paper aims to analyze and redesign municipal logos in Kosovo, based on Law No. 03/L-040 on Local Self-Government and the fundamental principles of graphic design. The primary objective is to identify the visual and symbolic elements that contribute to effective logo design and to evaluate their role in shaping community identity. The research methodology includes a visual analysis of the existing municipal logos of Prishtina and Prizren, interviews with professional designers, and a review of relevant literature in the fields of design and visual communication. The selection of these municipalities for comparative analysis was made to ensure geographical and …

Redesigning Responsibility: Closing The Knowledge Gap In Sustainable Design, Kaitlyn Faith Funk

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the gap between awareness and application of sustainable practices in the graphic design industry. While sustainability has become a widely discussed topic, designers often lack accessible, practical tools to integrate it into their work. Through a combination of research, case studies, and design thinking methodologies, this project develops a comprehensive educational toolkit and accompanying campaign, ReDesigning Responsibility, that equips designers, educators, and students to make informed, environmentally responsible choices in both print and digital media. The deliverables include a printed reference guide, an interactive microsite, and a branded campaign, all aimed at fostering sustainability as a core …

Digital Biophilia In Web Interface Design For Accessibility And User Well-Being, Bryana Michelle Peifer

Theses

This interdisciplinary study explores the intersection between horticultural therapy and web design, focusing on the impact of biophilic design principles in shaping contemporary practices within digital interface design. This exploration addresses the multifaceted relationship between humanity and the natural world, particularly how this connection serves as a source for the emergence of nature-inspired elements in digital expressions and their subsequent integration into modern web design for accessibility and well-being. As digital environments increasingly dominate daily experiences, the need for digital wellness through nature integration has become critical, especially for individuals who have physical disabilities, limited mobility, or limited access to …

Beyond Barcodes, Ritul Chaudhary

Theses

Beyond Barcodes is a conceptual zine that investigates the narratives encoded within barcodes and reinterprets receipts as tools to examine the emotional layers of consumer behavior. Often dismissed as transactional byproducts, receipts in this project are reframed as carriers of memory, identity and self-worth—reflecting personal values shaped by frugality, guilt, and inherited beliefs about money. The zine unfolds through a series of illustrated vignettes, each centered around a category of spending: groceries, essentials, dining, vanity, and experiences. This arc traces a journey from survival to indulgence, ending on a bittersweet note—critiquing how consumer culture quietly shapes how we spend, what …

Hidden Scientists/Hidden Creatives Exhibition 2025, Con Kennedy, Niamh Ann Kelly, Claire Wynne, Jesus Maria Frias, Steve Meaney

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Hidden Scientists/Hidden Creatives is an annual exhibition about underrepresented women in STEM and Design.

The students from the TU Dublin School of Art and Design, TU973 B.A. (hons) Visual Communication Design, completed this assignment in their Design and Career Management module.

This year, all the students who participated in this module are Erasmus students from our international partners. This international cohort joined us from IADE - Universidade Europeia - Faculdade de Design, Tecnologia e Comunicação da Universidade Europeia, Lisbon, Portugal and Escuela de Arte San Telmo, Malaga, Spain.

This exhibition ran from 6-9 May 2025, East Quad Atrium, TU Dublin, …

From Farm To Friend: Fostering Compassion Toward Farmed Animals Through Design, Natalie Kosmos

University Honors Theses

This thesis explores how human compassion for farmed animals can be fostered through design. By analyzing the existing language, imagery, and social norms surrounding animal commodification, the research highlights the root of the issue: how humans perceive farmed animals in relation to themselves. Understanding how humans view and think about farmed animals is important for creating a message that disrupts these existing norms. The culmination of this thesis is a campaign, "From Farm to Friend" which is designed to be approachable and informative, encouraging the audience to have compassion for farmed animals and change their perception, from farm--to friend.

Reply Stop To Stop, Molly A. M. Garrett

Theses and Dissertations

Over the course of 8 years working in progressive political strategy, 2015–2023, I became increasingly critical of the systems, formulas and tools we were using to communicate with voters. Reply STOP to Stop is documentation of my time at graduate school, of wrestling with ideas of political design, language, communication and distribution. I analyzed my past work — all the texts, emails, social media posts, print ads, web banners, videos and other miscellaneous scripted content — and wondered if we would all be better off without it. Would elections be fairer, would there be less fake news, more community building? …

The Process Of Creating A Visual Identity System From Scratch, Daisy L. Macias

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

A visual identity system is a collection of design elements that work together to maintain consistency through various applications. A study of iconic brands clarifies how a design is successfully executed. This creative project began with selecting an industry, writing a creative brief, curating mood boards for visual research, brainstorming a brand name, creating a set of graphics that aid the brand identity, and implementing these graphics together to create a successful visual identity system. For this project, an indie cinema was selected, and based on existing visual research for this industry, the design style referenced contemporary art. The final …

Case Study: Creativity And Innovation In Graphic Design, Arberesha Hoxha

UBT International Conference

Design communicates thoughts, ideas, emotions, and narratives in a universal language. Cultural differences, however, have a big impact on how people view and understand design. Storytelling, usability, aesthetics, and symbolism are all impacted by the intricate relationships between culture and design. In a world growing more interconnected by the day, it is critical to recognize and comprehend the impact of cultural subtleties on design. Through the lens of cultural aesthetics, design is assessed. These aesthetics consist of fashion trends, color palettes, and design elements that are representative of specific civilizations. Aspects of design frequently have rich cultural meaning and symbolism. …

Fluidity Of Time, Phoebe Huey

Theses

Fluidity of Time is a digital clock installation that uses particle simulations to symbolize the fluctuating nature of human emotions throughout the day. Inspired by the concept of entropy—the natural shift from order to disorder—the clock’s particle-based digits flow, collapse, and rebuild, mirroring emotional cycles. The project addresses the issue of disconnection in a post-pandemic, technology-driven world, aiming to captivate viewers and create shared experiences that foster community. Through experimentation in X-Particles, I developed fluid, life-like motion in a digital clock that engages viewers on both aesthetic and emotional levels. The installation received positive feedback for its mesmerizing and satisfying …

Humanity-N-Harmony: Concert For Gaza And Palestine Relief, Denzel Foster

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

Variations On Noise, Clinton Van Arnam

Masters Theses

Variations on Noise is a three-part collection: an index, a set of interviews, and a perspective on a working practice in graphic design and sound.

If noise is ubiquitous in our everyday lives, how do we define it and use it as a catalyst for dissonance and change? As a designer, I use noise algorithms to generate pseudo randomness and break up repetitive textures. As a musician, I use noise to create scores and performances that challenge our perception of what is comfortable and uncomfortable.

Seven interviews with designers, artists, musicians, and a Tibetan monk offer ways to approach the …

Ai In Graphic Design: Here To Help Or Replace Us?, Christian Jovan Rodriguez

Masters Theses

Artificial intelligence is becoming more commonly used in the creative space. With the implementation of AI, it has provided many benefits to working design professionals making their workflow more efficient. AI has also proposed a potential threat to the careers of graphic designers by reducing job opportunities in art and design. This thesis will expand on areas where artificial intelligence is impacting the fields of art and design. Possible use cases will be expressed throughout, for example graphic designers eventually having to adapt and implement the use of AI daily to promote creativity and speed up workflow. After completing this …

Good Taste No Waste: A Solution For Managing Food Waste In Newly Independent Young Adults, David Eppinger

Masters Theses

Consumers are the biggest contributors to food waste in the United States and in other developed countries, though most of them don’t realize it. American young adults living independently for the first time lack education on responsible food management in the areas of planning, preparation, and preservation. This lack of skills results in excessive waste of food, money, and energy, and leads to significant damage to the economy and the environment. Ample research exists identifying this issue and the changes that need to be made, yet effective visual solutions have not yet followed. Through a comprehensive topical survey, along with …

Penny's Dream, Calyn Ashe

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Culture On Graphic Design: Rebranding Glossier For The Japanese Market, Hannah Kuvshinov

Senior Honors Theses

Due to globalization, many companies are expanding their reach into foreign markets that have different cultural contexts. As a result, having versatile branding that can be easily adapted to different cultures becomes extremely important when communicating with consumers from other countries. To develop this branding it is crucial for companies to employ cross-cultural design, which involves much more than simply translating text into the consumers language. In order to successfully expand its products to the Japanese market Glossier will have to apply cross-cultural research to redesign their current branding materials and communication channels. This project focuses on preserving brand cohesiveness …

Implementing Effective And Meaningful Environmental Graphic Design Within Modern Protestant Church Buildings In The U.S., Hannah Gilmer

Senior Honors Theses

The Church, the body of Christ, is filled with people gifted in visual arts, which should present boundless creative opportunities to encourage the body and glorify Christ. However, many modern Protestant churches in the U.S. do not reflect this creative potential in their interior spaces. Christian graphic designers have the unique gift of bringing all the visual arts together into a whole solution that communicates the message of the gospel with richness, power, and beauty. This thesis will show the process of creating environmental graphic design solutions that are intended to encourage a local church and glorify the Lord, building …

The Interaction Of Strategy And Design In Comprehensive Branding, Tiana Miller

Senior Honors Theses

Branding directs how consumers view businesses. Focusing on strategy and design equally aids in making a brand comprehensive, cohesive, and effective. Different aspects of brand strategy determine how to effectively build the backbone of the brand. Understanding design elements and the creative process are important in developing the visual identity of the brand. The findings were combined to create comprehensive personal branding for Tiana Joy Creative. This creative application included an archetypal brand strategy with deliverables including a logo and brand elements.

Hidden Scientists/Hidden Creatives Exhibition 2024, Con Kennedy, Jesus Maria Frias, Steve Meaney, Claire Wynne, Niamh Ann Kelly

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Hidden Scientists/Hidden Creatives is a poster exhibition about underrepresented women in STEM and Design.

As part of the Design and Career Management Module, second-year BA in Visual Communication Design students have crafted posters about women in STEM, drawing inspiration from influential female designers.

The exhibition was opened by Professor John Doran, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Health and acting President of TU Dublin and runs from 24 to 27 April 2024, East Quad Atrium, TU Dublin, City Campus, Grangegorman.

Cool Beans, Liv Wuertz

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

Sense Make Before Book, Bradley Sinanan

Theses and Dissertations

“Sense Make Before Book” is an Indo-Caribbean turn of phrase which refers to common sense being more important than book smarts. My sister sent me a post the other day on Instagram of an Trinidadian woman using this phrase, saying it was one of Indo-Caribbean origin. I was interested and asked my mom about it. My mom says that when she was younger my grandpa said it often around their house in Princes Town, Trinidad and Tobago. This adage feels charged thinking about the history of indenture and its effects on the Indo-Caribbean diaspora.

The written word of archival history …