Arts and Humanities Commons^™

How Cultural Differences Affect A Country's Movie Poster., Cater Leland

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Multi-Sensory Graphic Design, Rylee Mottishaw

Student Research Symposium

Multi-sensory design is a design approach that enhances user engagement by integrating multiple senses into the design experience. While traditional graphic design primarily relies on visual perception, emerging research highlights the profound influence of multi-sensory elements in shaping user interaction, emotional response, and information retention.

Grapholinguistics In Graphic Design, Cameron Schumann

Student Research Symposium

Writing systems function as more than linguistic tools; they serve as powerful cultural and aesthetic symbols that influence branding, fashion, and multimedia design. Through an examination of typographic symbolism, foreign scripts evoke themes of mystery, exoticism, brutalism, constructivism, and authoritarianism, shaping consumer perception and artistic narratives.

Where Is The Contemporary Design?, Anna Nelson

Student Research Symposium

Contemporary Design can be described as Design that is reflective of current trends and attitudes in design, specifically post-modern aesthetics and approaches that move beyond past stylistic and theoretical choices, even though it may be referential to the past.

Moral Fibre In Their Very Design, Annie Zaugg

Student Research Symposium

Superheroes shift with the times, their designs molded by what America needs in a champion. Early heroes like Superman were bold and bright- his flowing cape, broad chest, and primary colors embodying strength, leadership, and moral certainty. Draped in red and blue, he was a walking flag, a beacon against distant threats.

Typeface Research In Music, Raquel Nielsen

Student Research Symposium

For my research, I analyzed around 60 album covers from well-known Indie Folk artists. My goal was to observe how the typefaces used on the covers related to the genre's emotional and aesthetic qualities. I paid attention to the style of typography, considering whether the typefaces were more traditional (serif), modern (sans serif), or personal and expressive (handwritten).

The Visual Benefits Of Freeway Sans In Comparison To Highway Gothic, Bryson King

Student Research Symposium

A badly designed road sign might kill you: Death by Typography is a real possibility.

The Brutally Ugly: The Misconceptions And Perceptions Of Brutalism In Design, Brianna Tomadakis

Student Research Symposium

Brutalism in design is often labeled as "brutally ugly," with its harsh use of raw materials, sharp angles, and exposed structures. This label of "brutally ugly" is often appled to both graphic designs and its original inspiration of architecture. This stark, unpolished aesthetic challenges traditional notions of beauty, leaving many to view it as cold or uninviting. However, this style was originally designed as a way to vear away from conceptions of nationalism. The style is not purposely ugly rather it has a more focus on functionalism rather than decoration. Brutalism was intended to be practical, economical, functional, and long-lasting, …

Creative Inequality, Ginger Anderson

Student Research Symposium

Does an art degree define success? Some of the world's most famous artists never set foot in a classroom. However, formal training often provides essential technical skills and industry connections. So, is artistic success about raw talent or learned expertise?

Energy, Water, And The Cost Of Intelligence, Etienne Erickson

Student Research Symposium

Artificial intelligence is a term for a group of technologies that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and making decisions. AI has technically been around since the 1950s with basic forms in use such as a self-learning checkers program. However in the past decade this technology has been rapidly evolving and expanding into many forms that are actively used every day. This evolution is partially due to the vast advancements in computing power and data expansion. The use of artificial intelligence now seems to be a regular occurrence in people's lives as personal,convenient, and …

Type Dna, Ashley Brown

Student Research Symposium

In typography, negative space is not merely an absence of form but an integral component that defines and enhances letterforms. The interaction between internal and external spaces within a character – such as counters, apertures, and the spacing between strokes – plays a crucial role in shaping recognition and legibility. For example, the open counter of an "a" or the enclosed space within an "o" directly influences how efficiently the brain identifies these characters. Even subtle modifications to these spatial relationships can alter the perceived weight, tone, and overall readability of a typeface.

Opposition And Expression, Isabelle Johansen

Student Research Symposium

In a culture driven by speed, efficiency, and disposability, tradition has become a quiet act of rebellion. Designers are returning to handmade techniques, ancestral knowledge, and slow processes as a way to reclaim meaning, identity, and sustainability. What was once dismissed as old-fashioned is now powerful again–rooted, radical, and deeply human.

Representations Of France's Nuclear Testing Legacy In Tahitian Cinema, Jacob Rodgers

Student Research Symposium

It was rare in Tahiti for conversations about France and French policies to not include the topic of past nuclear testing, when I lived there in 2021-2023. Film and media also portray distrust.

The Correlation Between Fashion, Music & Design, Mary Marcusen

Student Research Symposium

Fashion, music and design often feel the same because they are deeply intertwined in their responses to the cultural, social, and economic conditions of their time. These creative fields share common influences, whether it's an economic boom, a political movement, a technological shift, or a specific artistic trend. As they reflect the emotions, ideas, and experiences of a given decade, they create an aesthetic unity that makes them feel cohesive. The key to this phenomenon lies in the way these fashion, music, and design communicate the collective mood of the era, which gradually creates a sense of cultural coherence across …

The Influence Of Social Media On Journalism: Challenges To Accuracy, Credibility, And News Consumption, Natalee Parry

Student Research Symposium

Social media has reshaped journalism, challenging accuracy, credibility, and public trust in news. This study examines the impact of social media on news consumers and how it affects their trust in news.

The Weight Of Air, Whitney Yuen (Fry)

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Need For Gender Equity In Outdoor Adventure Sports: The Impact Of Gender Disparities On Women In The Outdoors, Suzanna Stegelmeier

Student Research Symposium

What obstacles do women face when participating in outdoor adventure recreation?

Biophilic Design And The Human Experience, Brooklyn Erickson

Student Research Symposium

Biophilia is the idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. It stems from the Greek meaning "love of life." Biophilic design is an innovative approach to architecture and interior design that integrates natural elements into built environments to enhance human well-being. This design philosophy seeks to create spaces that promote physical, mental, and emotional health by incorporating elements such as natural light, greenery, water features, and organic materials. This research examines the benefits of biophilic design and how implementing these principles affects the "Human Experience". In this project the research …

Can Genai Evaluate Social Themes In Global Cinema? An Introductory Exploration Using French Ivory Coast Film To Evaluate Religious And Familial Social Themes, Andrew Hyde

Student Research Symposium

GenAI is rapidly evolving, making it crucial to investigate its uses and limitations. Popular films can shape social themes globally, yet many of these influences remain unexplored due to cultural barriers. This project's research has important applications, including:

• Enhanced film analysis for less popular films in various countries and languages
• Cultural preservation and lowered linguistic boundaries in film
• Potential for future statistical analysis to determine correlation between social themes and popularity of films
• Broader implications for the film industry and film studies

My hypothesis was that GenAI would be able to accurately analyze important social themes in niche French films.

Tile In Time: The Study Of Interiors Through Art, Lauren Nielsen

Student Research Symposium

Lauren is a senior in the Interior Architecture and Design program at Utah State University. Her design philosophy centers around storytelling—she believes that great design not only transforms spaces but also tells meaningful stories. When she graduates, Lauren hopes to work in a historic preservation capacity. This projects draws inspiration from the past as we step into the future.

La Malaise De La Jeunesse Tunisienne: Uncertainty And Social Change For Tunisian Youth Showcased By Tunisian Cinema, Jacob Sagers

Student Research Symposium

Following the Arab Spring in 2011, Tunisia – the heart of the uprisings – underwent swift and broad social change during its democratic transition. Most notably, a new generation of Tunisian youth's formative years simultaneously occurred during a decade of challenges.

New Beginnings Behavioral Health, Mckenna Spens

Student Research Symposium

This project is the 2025 IIDA Student Competition. The objective of this project is to design the Lobby/Reception and Inpatient area of a behavioral health clinic. The design must consider the safety and well being of the patients as well as the staff. This project is in partnership with OFS and Carolina and at least 50% of the furnishings shall be sourced from them. The Lobby/Reception must contain a reception desk for 4 staff, a waiting area, and a minimum of 4 lockers for guests. The Inpatient area must contain the following: a sallyport at the entrance; 2 consultation rooms …

Concrete Grove Biophilic Hotel, Kieran White

Student Research Symposium

Located in Eugene, Oregon, the Concrete Grove Hotel is a modern biophilic retreat inspired by the state tree, the Douglas fir. Influenced by Louis Kahn's architecture, the design combines concrete and glass with natural materials to harmonize strength and tranquility.

The Roles And Challenges Of Child Language Brokering, Anaid Martinez Sánchez

Student Research Symposium

Child Language Brokering (CLB) refers to the informal act of interpreting and translating performed by bilingual children, often referred to as "child interpreting". This typically arises in response to cultural and linguistic divides, which can have varying effects on the individuals involved. CLB is especially common among immigrant Latino families, because the children adapt to the culture much faster.

Beyond Words: Translating Spanish Subtitles, Charlie Carlston, Tyler Godfrey

Student Research Symposium

Challenges in Subtitle Translation

• How does one translate humor, slang, and cultural references without losing meaning?
• More than just words!

The Myth Of Robin Hood In Film, Alyssa Ball

Student Research Symposium

The character of Robin Hood is familiar to all of us, but it is difficult to pinpoint exactly who the man is. When considering Robin Hood, an image from film likely comes to mind. While Robin Hood certainly did not originate in the medium, cinema continues to solidify his legacy as one of the most enduring figures in Western media.

Hats Off To History: Unveiling The Stories Of Headwear, Asia Grant

Student Research Symposium

Utah State University's Family and Consumer Science department has been home to a collection of hats, clothing, and shoes donated by alumni and community members. These artifacts serve as valuable educational tools, offering hands-on learning experiences in fashion history and textiles. However, while the hats have been carefully stored, no comprehensive catalog or database currently exists.

Bridging Worlds Through Stories, Téa Randall, Mykenzie Preisler

Student Research Symposium

What is the role of a translator?

Designing For Mental Health: Introducing A Student Wellness Center, Gabrielle Figueroa

Student Research Symposium

This research highlights the critical role of the built environment in shaping mental health outcomes, emphasizing the need for more thoughtful, collaborative design practices. While previous studies have recognized the importance of therapeutic spaces, they often lack a focus on specific mental health conditions like anxiety & depression. This study brings together insights from mental health and design professionals, advocating for environments that prioritize comfort, flexibility, and emotional safety. By bridging gaps between disciplines and emphasizing user-centered, sustainable design, it offers a more comprehensive approach to creating spaces that truly support mental health and well-being.

Beyond The Sitcom: An Examination Of Grief In Wandavision, Victoria Sweeney

Research Days

Television shows are often a medium people turn to for relaxation. However, on rare occasions, certain shows can take on deeper meaning and symbolism. WandaVision, though rooted in superhero media, is one such show that transcends its genre. While television often serves as an escape from reality, the context of the COVID-19 pandemic heightened the show's nostalgic presentation, resonating with viewers on a more profound level. Throughout the series, viewers witness Wanda Maximoff's journey through the stages of grief. As a result, many viewers can relate to her experience, finding their own sense of healing as they progress through these …