Art and Design Commons^™

Cultural Competency In Medical Interpreting, Riley Wheelwright-Grammer

Student Research Symposium

I conducted a review of the academic literature about cultural competency within medical interpretation settings and found several themes.

Third Place Theory In Library Design, Becca Mathis

Student Research Symposium

The concept of the "third place" in library design has gained significant attention in recent years, reflecting a shift in libraries' roles from mere repositories of books to vibrant community hubs. This poster explores the application of third place theory in library design, aiming to understand its implications for creating welcoming and inclusive spaces. This research investigates the key elements of third place theory and their implementation in contemporary library architecture. the findings highlight the importance of fostering social interaction, promoting a sense of belonging, and accomodating diverse user needs in designing third place libraries.

Human Centered Design, Alexis Freeman

Student Research Symposium

This research project explores the impact of design on mental and physical health, emphasizing its role within healthcare and therapy settings. Delving into the specific connections between environmental design and human well-being, this study investigates how thoughtful design principles influence quality of life. It also explores the physical health benefits gained from well-designed spaces, access to natural light, ergonomic considerations, and good air quality. Recognizing the holistic approach in Eastern medicine, Haven explores how traditional healing philosophies can connect with modern design principles.

Unique challenges are presented in patient-centered settings. where the impact of design extends beyond aesthetics. Design elements …

Improving Behavioral Health Outcomes Through The Built Environment, Lucinda White

Student Research Symposium

Primary Care Clinic cares for patients from 0-18 years old and specializes in youth needing behavioral health care. The safety and comfort of patients and staff are the most important priority and inform all design decisions. Typical Behavioral Health clinics feel more like a prison than a place of help and healing. The goal of Primary Care Clinic is a safe, comforting, and typical environment for all.

Queer Coded Branding And It's Brief History, Lars Madden

Student Research Symposium

Sappos, the Greek poet from Lesbos, both gifts and recieves flower crowns and necklace wreaths made of violets and lavender for her female lovers.

Designing For Mental Health, Kate Page

Student Research Symposium

More than 1 in 5 adults in America struggle with mental illness (National Institute of Mental Health). As someone who has personally struggled with mental health challenges, I can relate to the struggles of so many other people in the world. I wanted to do something about it with the tools I have.

Language Shapes Your Reality, Emily Staley

Student Research Symposium

Culture and Language walk hand in hand. Cultural stereotypes exist abundantly, and part of that stereotype exists within the cultural language. Certain speech patterns correspond to particular behaviors. Italians, for example, are known for being very passionate, loud, and romantic. One might say that they are very ‘Italian’.

In fact, most cultures with Latin rooted languages are stereotyped for being passionate and expressive. German, Dutch and Russian cultures are known for being direct and straightforward. Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cultures are known for having more passive, non-confrontational stereotypes. Cultures with similar languages tend to have similar stereotypes.

Color Dynamics: An Exploration Of Language And Color, Elizabeth Stanger

Student Research Symposium

There is evidence that color terms develop in a specific order in each language. This order can be seen in the hopscotch above. First, a term for black and white (or dark and light in general), then red, yellow and green interchangeably, blue, and then brown. The colors pink, purple, orange, and grey develop around the same time and don't display hierarchical trends. Finaly, a color term for light blue is developed. In languages like Spanish and Russian, their term for this color is completely separate from blue.

Empower Boomers: Champion Inclusive Design, Alaine Thomson

Student Research Symposium

I like the second one down, looks sophisticated and a leisurely read. Big type face. Intriguing photos. Looks engaging and worth my investment to read the article. The first one is tolerable. Big words to catch your attention. But the additional pages could be broken up with photos, ect. and larger typeface. I totally disliked the bottom one!!! Makes me physically ill! Dizzy, like going in a book store with anxiety. Boom, Boom your eyes are bounced all over the page. Number three is the same way. Too many little boxes with snippets of information and incredibly small type that …

Quilting: Design & Womanhood, Savannah Lawson

Student Research Symposium

My mother has always been a maker. My entire life, I have heard her sewing machine whirring as often as I have seen her face. She was, in particular, an amazing quilter, spending hours, weeks, months on intricate & exquisite compositions, often just to give them away to friends or family after. It’s always been a part of her, so when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in January of 2022, her imminent loss of her ability to sew was devastating. In the wake of this news, I began to take my first real interest in her quilts. I even …

The Power Of Context In English And Design, Hannah Stowell

Student Research Symposium

Exploring how context shapes the rules governing effective communication in both the English language and graphic design.

Visuality Of Sound, Janelle Clark

Student Research Symposium

Graphic design is simply a visual representation of abstract concepts and communication to help people understand a message. Humans have created language and used sound to represent visuals, yet it goes much deeper than that. While sound and language can represent human defined objects based on cultural experience, there is an actual visual language behind sound itself. This field is called Cymatics, termed by Dr. Hans Jenny, a pioneer in the study of the visuality of sound. His research, along with more to follow have laid the groundwork of a previous unseen language. In this research, elements of the natural …

Contemporary Design In Sports, Madeline Anderson

Student Research Symposium

With the emergence of discussion about the return of the Seattle SuperSonics, this project aims to blend the world of sports with contemporary design. To make a contemporary brand, means to think about every single aspect and detail of the brand with a reason. This re-brand explores the vintage feel of the team that ran the court in the late 20th century as well as influences from modern day branding. With references such as the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Athens Kallithea F.C., Borussia Dortmund and Venezia FC- the new Seattle SuperSonics use expressive typography, modernized colors, and contemporary references to …

Contemporary Korean Photographers Reestablishing Cultural And Individual Gender Identity In Modern-Day South Korea, Samantha Greene

Student Research Symposium

“The modern-day society of South Korea continuously transforms old traditions in hopes of establishing what Korean cultural and individual identity is in today’s contemporary world.” – Kevin Cawley, Korean Confucianism

Designing Graphic Props For Movies: Retro Methodology In A Digital Age, Mckenna Sprouse

Student Research Symposium

Subject Movie: The Irishman

Education For Ethiopia Research Project Proposal, Shelby Hull

Student Research Symposium

In Ethiopia, it was found that within the population, only 24% of adults have finished their primary education (William Saint). The post-secondary enrollment ratio in Ethiopia is 0.8 percent in 2000. This puts Ethiopia at the bottom of the rankings, in the world, for attending secondary school (William Saint).

Tsc Hub Re-Design: How Environment Affects Focus, Natalie Tanner

Student Research Symposium

Biophilia is often used in design because of its positive impact on mental and physical health for the users of the space. Bringing live plants into a space can improve the air quality. In addition to this it can help increase productivity which is ideal for a community space on a college campus where students need to focus and study. Studies have shown incorporating biophilia can improve productivity, creativity, key cognitive functions, overall well-being and encourage innovative thinking (Haiken, 2023) (Haiken, 2022).

Cultivating A Love Of Reading In Young Children Through The Built Environment, Mattalyn Geddes

Student Research Symposium

First, the benefits of reading include parents reading aloud to their children as well as children reading silently on their own. Each has advantages and is largely influenced by the child’s age. So remember just because they are too young to read on their own doesn’t mean they can’t start reaping the benefits of reading by listening to those around them read aloud.

Reading supports cognitive development or in other words the ability to think, understand, problem-solve, and make decisions. During early childhood, millions of neural connections are made creating new brain cells and adding “more definition and complexity to …

Straw Bale Construction: Exploring The Possibilities Of A Construction Method Grounded In Earthen, Sustainable Materials, Lydia Yancey

Student Research Symposium

Straw bale construction is a unique and sustainable take on comfortable living. Contrasting straw bale construction and current traditional construction in terms of sustainability and efficiency, we take a look on how this form of construction could potentially revolutionize the future of sustainable living.

Straw bale construction goes back to the 1800’s during the civil war. They were originally meant to be temporary housing, but people quickly realized that there is comfort & durability in these structures.

La Bella English School, Rachael Barlow

Student Research Symposium

Mexico's transition to a globalized economy necessitates a proficient grasp of the English language. In an era marked by international trade, technology, and cultural exchange, English proficiency is no longer a luxury but a fundamental skill. In today's interconnected world, English has become the lingua franca for international communication, diplomacy, and business. It is the most widely spoken second language worldwide, opening doors to global opportunities and cross-cultural interactions. Access to English education equips students with the skills and qualifications to compete in a global workforce. Establishing English schools in Mexico promotes educational equity. The proliferation of English schools in …

Women's Safe House In Ethiopia, Ellie Ericksen

Student Research Symposium

This is the reality faced by numerous women and their children seeking refuge in safe houses throughout Ethiopia. Since 2022, the country has been engulfed in a brutal civil war. Rebel forces from the northern Tigray region have pushed back against the Ethiopian government, resulting in devastating bombings of cities and villages, claiming tens, if not hundreds of thousands of lives. The government's blockade in Tigray has severely restricted access to essential resources such as food, medicine, electricity, and communication, leaving 17 million people in dire need of assistance and resulting in widespread displacement. Amidst this turmoil, there have been …

Solace Space: College Students & Mental Health, Kelsey Wise

Student Research Symposium

In envisioning a safe place for college students struggling with mental health, we came up with Solace Space. It is a meditation room where students can go and feel the calming effects of Feng Shui and Light therapy to nurture students well-being. The design harmonizes elements of nature, optimizing energy flow for serenity. Soft, earthy tones and minimalistic décor create a calming ambiance. Advance light therapy fixtures simulate natural sunlight, aiding mood regulation. This intimate space becomes a sanctuary for rejuvenation. It’s holistic haven where students can explore mindfulness, find balance, and embrace the healing power of both ancient wisdom …

Horizon Heights Refugee Housing, Isabella Smith

Student Research Symposium

Nestled gracefully along the tranquil banks of the Boise River lies Horizon Heights Apartments, a sanctuary for refugees seeking temporary housing. Upon their arrival in Boise, refugees have the opportunity to transition seamlessly into these welcoming apartments, offering respite for up to a month as they embark on their journey to find more permanent accommodations. Traditionally, refugees often find themselves housed in hotels upon their initial arrival, a costly arrangement that can quickly deplete their limited resources. However, Horizon Heights offers a practical alternative, providing a comfortable haven at a mere fraction of the expense, equivalent to just one-quarter the …

Design With Intent: Designing Rooms For Mental Wellness, Alisson Lissette Flores Cabrera

Student Research Symposium

In the US, millions of people are affected by mental health issues every year. It was reported by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality that in 2022, 23.1% of adults ages 18 or older had any mental illness. It is reported that anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions affecting 42.5 million adults in the US. As the stigma of mental health illness and receiving treatment has decreased, the number of individuals seeking professional help has increased. From 2019 to 2021 the percentage of adults ages 18 and up seeking help went from …

Apotheosis, Zekiel Betzer

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Zekiel Dirk Betzer’s oil paintings are a visual representation of transfiguration – the elevation of daily life into myth. He believes that if we defer to monolithic ideologies to narrativize our life, we are prescribed a relationship with the transcendent, rather than discovering it, leading us down the path of ideological possession. He is principally interested in how we, as both artist and audience, invent meaning and how this invention informs the way we engage with reality; especially how objects or memories become sacred.

The Day Before The Day, Marlaina Lutz

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The reason any particular moment has the potential to change the course of your life is because of the accumulation of meaningful moments that happened in between. The in between is where care happens. It’s where acts of kindness are done without witnesses and where vulnerability is met with an unconditional reception. It’s where trust is built and where our darkest and brightest parts become exposed. Can you remember what you did the day before you decided someone was your best friend? Or what you did the day before you spoke to a parent for the last time? What about …

Tea Time With The Devil, Hamish Jackson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Tea time with the Devil

Tea Time with the Devil began with the hypothesis that I could create a diverse palette of glazes from one local material. I chose to base my experiments on a granite from Devil’s Playground in western Utah. I collected its rocks, hauled them back to USU and crushed them into powder. Each glaze contains at least 50% of the Devil’s granite. This palette resulted from much trial and error — mostly error. Between 2020 and 2023, I ran thousands of glaze tests to formulate and hone these surfaces.

Why this place and material?

The wild …

Ni De Aqui Ni De Alla..., Jc Santistevan

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Ni de aqui ni de alla navigates the complexities of belonging to two cultures-Mexican

and American-while not fully identifying with either. By visualizing liminal spaces,

migratory patterns, and quotidian subject matter the work serves as a metaphor for

the Latinx experience in the United States-an experience defined by conflicts between

conformity and resistance, individuality and community, spirituality and secularism,

alienation and belonging. "Black and white are the colors of photography…..they

symbolize the alternatives of hope and despair," Robert Frank once said, and it is

through a nonlinear installation of black and white imagery that I seek to describe the

push …

Personal Details, Ben Nathan

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In 2022 I lost my Paternal Grandmother. I found that in addition to the loss of a dear matriarch I mourned everyday things lost to the past. From furniture to childhood relationships, I was made keenly aware of their absence. As I longed to spend more time in the past, I created a studio practice of printing and drawing, whereby I enable myself to spend hours a day in quiet introspection, just drawing and reflecting on my life as expressed by personal details.

My work melds renderings of everyday spaces and objects from memories of childhood and my present experience …

Designing With Pink: Exploring Gender-Based Price Disparity Within Packaging Design, Kylie Grant

Student Research Symposium

'The Pink Tax' broadly refers to the general tendency for products marketed toward female consumers to be more expensive than those marketed toward male consumers. This instance is seen most often in beauty and self care products, including items such as deodorant, body wash, clothing, etc. The name comes from the observation that many of the products marketed to women are pink. The name does not refer to actual tax. This study explores the validity of the claims surrounding the Pink Tax- and specifically focuses of packaging design's role in gender-based price discrimination. This includes the use of color, typography, …