Digital Commons Network^™

Endo/Exo, Delaney Rogers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The artist, Delaney Shae Rogers, discusses her Master of Fine Arts exhibition, Endo / Exo, held at the Tipton Gallery in downtown Johnson City, TN. The exhibition dates are from March 25th through April 5th, 2024, with a public reception held April 5th, 2024. The author provides insight into the concept behind the work in the exhibition and shares how the making process and specific materials impact the work. This body of work explores coping with grief, anxiety, and the state of the world through the process of making and communicating otherwise difficult topics through visually digestible symbolic language.

The Stigma Of Deaf: Managing A Stigmatized Identity And Well-Being, Renca Dunn

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The Deaf identity encompasses cultural, linguistic, and social dimensions that significantly influence the lives of Deaf individuals. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide will be living with some degree of hearing loss (2021). While there may be a growing number of people who have some type of hearing loss, there is a distinct group who identify their hearing loss as part of a culture and community. The Deaf community has a rich history, culture, language, and linguistic heritage. The development of the Deaf identity is influenced by factors such as family, education, and …

Selfies As Cultural Objects, Sophia Mall

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This analysis focuses on the creative and cultural industries, exploring the interrelationship between self, image, and digital culture through various representations of “selfies” or self portraits. Drawing on Susan Sontag's On Photography, I argue images as crucial cultural artifacts express various connections to personal identity and sense of self; further, I use Jean Baudrillard’s theory of simulacra and simulation to explore the relationship between an original object and an image. Here I propose a novel interpretation for simulacra: rather than viewing images solely as devalued replicas or exact equals of their subjects, I suggest that deliberately unreliable and manipulated images …

Creating A Unified Brand Identity For United Way Chapters In New York, Sarah Dejoy

Theses

Consistent and effective web design plays a role in enhancing the online presence and supporting the mission of nonprofit organizations (NPOs), which utilize online spaces to provide information to their constituents and the general public. This study centers on the web presence of United Way, presenting an analysis of the official websites of chapters in New York State. Visual rhetoric was used as the conceptual framework orienting the analysis, considering websites typically include written and visual texts intended to appeal to various audiences. The Brand Standards & Guidelines provided by United Way Worldwide were utilized to identify various website characteristics. …

Sonic Space: A Music Visualization And Interaction System Using Particles, Yi Sun

Theses

Along with the rapid development of digital music formats and portable technical products, individuals can rely on technology to have access to new music besides traditional methods like recommendations from the social circle. While music apps provide users with a more convenient and efficient way to enjoy music through a music recommendation system, users are also limited by the music recommendation algorithm based on genres, artists, instruments, acoustic features, context, or moods. People who wear headphones often isolate themselves from the external world and others, passively absorbing content recommended by the system. Music, as an art form, serves more than …

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 …

Say Hello To Yesterday, Tianyi Zhang

Theses

This project investigates the therapeutic potential of picture books in addressing grief, focusing on a narrative about a woman navigating the aftermath of her husband's death. It integrates traditional artistic techniques with modern digital tools to explore loss's emotional and psychological impacts. The use of dark tones accented with bright colors such as pink, orange, and green symbolizes the transition from sorrow to hope and healing. Key symbols like labyrinths and cameras deepen thematic resonance, with labyrinths depicting the protagonist's confusion and cameras representing fixed memories of the past. This approach highlights the dualities of memory and progress, illustrating the …

Dilink X Human Machine Interface Design, Tiancheng Si

Theses

In the context of autonomous and electric vehicle advancements, this thesis presents an in-depth exploration into the design and implementation of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) that transform the traditional vehicle interior into a multifunctional habitat. This pursuit is not merely aesthetic but an ergonomic imperative that demands innovative spatial utilization and interaction within the vehicle. It strives to reconcile human needs with the technical sophistication of autonomous vehicles, seeking to enhance the in-car experience to align with evolving user behaviors and expectations. The thesis proposes a series of design interventions aimed at optimizing the ergonomic layout and aesthetic appeal of vehicle …

Busy World: 3d To-Do Lists App, Zhixiao Shen

Theses

Today, people encounter many arduous tasks every day. Heavy work tasks and tedious tasks always remind people, tormenting people who work hard to live. Life is busy, and there are many things to do every day. Without to-do lists to help us organize the tasks we need to get done each day, our lives would be a mess. Not only that, but unplanned tasks can also trigger procrastination. According to a survey, more than 40% of people suffer from procrastination. Procrastination affects the lives of many people, causing them to be inefficient and waste a lot of time. The central …

The Impact Of Testimonies On Partner Development Strategies: Mission Work In Europe, Kimberly Witte

Senior Honors Theses

This study seeks to answer how first-world missionaries can utilize research findings on the effectiveness of testimonials and apply that knowledge to partner development strategies. Research trends demonstrate that most missionaries are being sent to countries with the largest practicing Christian populations, such as those in Africa or South America, and are more likely to receive financial partnerships. Europe has a high rate of non-practicing Christians and is a cultural intersection due to the refugee crisis, leading to a need for mission work. This research will culminate in the creation of a prayer guide, highlighting testimonies of individuals impacted by …

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 …

Fitopia: Enhancing Online Community Engagement For Gym Enthusiasts Through A Specialized Mobile Application, Yushuang Liang

Theses

In the wake of the pandemic, societal shifts have led to profound transformations in lifestyle, including the widespread adoption of remote education and communication. At the same time, individuals are building new relationships through online platforms. However, traditional gym routines face challenges, distractions from frequent smartphone usage disrupt focus and solitary training lacks motivational support. To address these issues, this study introduces 'Fitopia', a UI/UX design exploration that delves into the potential of mobile apps to revolutionize gym engagement by integrating community engagement features. This project aims to uncover innovative approaches that meld visual and interaction design with user interface …

Gardner-Webb College Of Arts And Sciences Recognizes Achievements Of Students, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Students in The College of Arts and Sciences recently received awards for their academic achievements in the 2024 Spring Semester. Dean Dr. Robert Prickett and Associate Dean Dr. Jennifer Buckner led the ceremony.

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.

Voltex： Hmi Concept Design, Zhengyu Pan

Theses

This thesis introduces 'VOLTEX,' a pioneering exploration into enhancing user interaction and experience within Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) through innovative visual design. It delves into the evolving trends in screen development for future vehicles, investigating how HMI design can adapt and potentially transform these trends. This exploratory project is designed to investigate and develop design principles that significantly enhance user interaction, showcased through a prototype that serves as a proof of concept rather than a final, market-ready product. This study applies practical design techniques and conceptual exploration to evaluate current trends and explore potential innovations in HMI design. Through this approach, …

Horizonlink： Hud Innovations In Autonomous Vehicles, Xi Yang

Theses

This thesis explores the design and potential of HORIZONLINK, a pioneering concept for a full-windshield Head-Up Display (HUD) in fully autonomous electric vehicles (FAEVs). By transforming the vehicle's windshield into a fully interactive display controlled by eye-tracking and gestures, HORIZONLINK reimagines the in-car experience. This exploration delves into how immersive technologies, combined with intuitive control mechanisms, can enhance passenger comfort and engagement, thus proposing a new paradigm in interior design.

Berlin: Shifting The Paradigm Student Exhibit, Arin J. Hendrickson, Abigayle R. Suchla, Kendal Barnes, Isabella Battis, Jadyn Bennett, Jakob Connelly, Stephanie Dasbach, Abigail Hawkey, Rayline Joens, Luke Kryzyszkowski, Mckenna Miller, Olivia Noid, Kaylee Olson, Simon Pell, Laurel Rau, Emily Solhjem

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Danilo Bojic and Tyler Treptow-Bowman, took a group of 16 students from four departments for 18 days to Berlin, Germany. As a synthesis of the faculty-led study away program, students were tasked to reflect on their experiences and emotions and develop creative peace as part of a group exhibit.The goal is to explore Berlin and the transformation through the lens of messaging that Germany used to shift the paradigm following the Nazi Regime with an incorporated critique of white supremacy and ethnic cleansing. Additionally, in this collaborative program students were exploring the enticing shifts in visual communications that have transformed …

The Avalon Historic Petroglyphs Project: Investigating Historic Graffiti And Petroglyphs On Newfoundland’S Eastern Avalon Peninsula, Barry C. Gaulton, Bryn Tapper, Duncan Williams, Donna Teasdale

Northeast Historical Archaeology

Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula contains many examples of petroglyphs, historic graffiti and inscriptions/engravings dating from the 17th to 20th centuries. This paper highlights the sites of Kingman’s Cove (CfAf-25) and Brigus South (CgAf-21), the computational photography and conservation techniques used in their recording, and current interpretations on who made them, why, when, and what they represent. The results show the broad potential of historic inscriptions for understanding the movements of people who are often poorly represented in the documentary record, the importance of peripheral landscapes and features as foci for self-expression, place-making and remembrance, and the need for innovative methodologies to …

Proposed Charlotte To Atlanta High-Speed Passenger Rail Line: An Economic, Infrastructural, And Developmental Analysis In The Upstate Of South Carolina, Ian C. Macurda, Kimberly Whitehead

SC Upstate Research Symposium

This research paper is an in-depth analysis of the high-speed passenger rail line proposed between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA and its impact on the economy, infrastructure, and future development of the Upstate of South Carolina. Currently, passenger rail service between Charlotte and Atlanta is offered on Amtrak at late hours throughout the night on its long-distance passenger rail line The Crescent from New York City, NY to New Orleans, LA. The train is often delayed and is operating at a deficit for Amtrak, like most of their long-distance routes. Traffic on Interstate 85 through the Upstate is another issue …

Occentatia: Community And Escapism Through Queer World-Building, Ian Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

55 PagesOccentatia is an investigation into queer world-building, inspired by fantasy games, electronic media, and the culture of the ‘90s and early 2000’s. Built by a diverse creative team of 22 artists, audiences and readers are invited to explore the medieval-Gothic world of Occentatia through drawing and illustration, video and audio, sculpture, and installation This supportive statement guides readers through inspirations, socially engaged art, insight into characters, and the development of fantastical narratives. I hope to provide clarity to my practice, displaying the need for more research on the role fantasy and gaming play in understanding queer identities, aesthetics, and …

Using Virtual Reality Technologies In Built Environment Education, Rebekah Floyd, Kayla Walters, Stuart Werner Baur

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Virtual reality (VR) offers transformative potential in built environment education, including human-made surroundings like buildings and infrastructure. This review explores VR's benefits, challenges, and trends in this field. VR fosters immersive learning, allowing students to explore architectural designs and urban planning scenarios. It provides hands-on experiences, enhancing spatial understanding and critical thinking. Simulations enable safe experimentation with design ideas and construction techniques without the real-life limitations or risk holding students back. However, challenges include high costs, technical limitations, and the need for educator training. Ensuring accessibility for all students is crucial. Despite challenges, VR's potential to revolutionize built environment education …

Cool Beans, Liv Wuertz

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

From Market Research To Product Design: The Process Of Building The Webguru Ai Optimization Tool, Zhen Bi

Theses

The COVID-19 virus has brought a significant transformation in e-commerce, with a lot of businesses not only selling products in physical stores but also conducting transactions online. However, the cost and expertise required for personalized website design and programming are prohibitive for a lot of small business owners. This has prompted many small business owners to adopt generic templates, failing to characterize their products and get the style they really want. In 2023, rapid advances in artificial intelligence technologies have resulted in a range of tools capable of generating text and images, catalyzing a transformation in online content creation. In …

Blue Peace, Mengxuan Huang

Theses

In the face of escalating environmental degradation, the oceans stand as a testament to the profound impact of human activity on the natural world. This abstract delves into the transformative potential of visual design in communicating the changes wrought by human actions upon the oceanic ecosystem, while concurrently fostering public engagement and awareness to drive conservation efforts. Visual design emerges as a dynamic medium for elucidating the multifaceted impacts of human intervention on ocean health. Through innovative techniques such as data visualization, infographic storytelling, and immersive digital experiences, designers can distill complex scientific findings into digestible narratives that vividly illustrate …

Supercook: Design Interactive Culinary Experiences With Ai Technology, Yize Peng

Theses

The project 'SuperCook' is a groundbreaking design project that explores the integration of AI with culinary apps. It aims to revolutionize the kitchen experience by connecting users to new and accessible culinary adventures through personalized recipe recommendations, real-time cooking guidance, and interactive meal planning. By leveraging AI technology, 'SuperCook' not only enhances user convenience and efficiency but also fosters a deeper engagement with cooking and promotes healthier eating habits. This thesis delves into the design process, user testing, and iterative improvements that culminated in a user-centered, intuitive, and visually appealing UI/UX solution for modern cooking enthusiasts. In designing 'SuperCook,' attention …

Programs Committee Agenda 4-2-24, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

Approved Programs 4-2-24, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

Program Review Report 4-2-24, Angela Brock

Program Review Committee

No abstract provided.

An Interdisciplinary Experience, Reyna Vergara, Michael Dodson

OUR Assignment Repository

This proposal showcases the success of an interdisciplinary approach. It provides an overview of a project titled: "Cacao and Chocolate: A Powerful Legacy." It took place during Hispanic Heritage Month in 2023. The project aimed to explore the rich and multifaceted legacy of cacao and chocolate in Latin America, incorporating perspectives from various academic disciplines, including public history, chemistry, Spanish language, graphic design, culinary arts, and family science. The interdisciplinary nature of the project highlights the power of collaboration in research and education, serving as a model for integrating diverse fields of study.

The project was divided into two main …