Graphic Design Commons^™

Designing A Mobile App For Mr. Turtle: Increasing Membership And Building Sustainable Refill Habits, Mira Pinto

Graphic Communication

Mr. Turtle is a sustainable soap and detergent refill station service. Instead of buying new plastic bottles, customers bring containers to a Mr. Turtle refill station and fill them up with products like dish soap and laundry detergent.

The stations are located inside local retail partner stores and on the Cal Poly campus, making it easy to refill. In the SLO area, Mr. Turtle has locations in the SLO Food Co-Op, Market Poly Canyon, and Swish & Swirl. Mr. Turtle’s mission is to reduce single-use plastic waste by making refilling simple and convenient.

For my senior project, I created a …

Advertisement Recognition And Recall In Urban Environments, Carson L. Ambrose

Graphic Communication

Why is it that certain advertisements are so much easier to remember than others? And how can places like Times Square actually be communicating effectivly through the dense amount of different ads? This project aims to get closer to finding out how design and environmental ad density effect advertisement recognition and recall. To capture the real-world feeling of a dense city, a 3D printed one was created to allow for custom testing and various locations meant for displaying custom advertisements. These ads would be created using a variety of design characteristics such as color, hierarchy, composition, typography, and over all …

When Mac Shouldn’T Smile Back: Anthropomorphic Logo And Effect On Consumer Perceptions Of Generative Artificial Intelligence, Ainsley E. Ballard

Honors Scholar Theses

Drawing on prior research suggesting that anthropomorphic design can increase trust, liking, and perceived competence, this research investigates whether these effects extend to generative artificial intelligence logos. A three-group between-subjects study was conducted to examine how varying levels of logo anthropomorphization influenced consumer perceptions of an artificial intelligence brand. In being assigned to one of three logo conditions, humanoid (high anthropomorphism), animalistic (moderate anthropomorphism), or nature/geometric (low anthropomorphism), participants evaluated the new logo across multiple dimensions, including liking, brand fit, trustworthiness, and willingness to buy. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the low anthropomorphism condition consistently received the most positive ratings, …

Sae What? Magazine - Issue 1 - 2026, Sae University College

SAE What? - Student Magazine

No abstract provided.

Math, And You! Math Tools Website For First-Grade Children With Instruction Provided Through Music Education, Tye Raymond

University Honors Theses

This thesis explores the conceptualization, exploration, and execution of a User Interface (UI) Design created as a supplemental mathematics education tool for grade one learners. Titled "Note Builder", this thesis project is a web design project, functioning as the prototype for a prospective website. Coding a website is a separate project; this project is comprised of the web design blueprint known as a prototype. The site uses a music-based digital reward system, which I constructed to motivate students as they explore new mathematics skills. All of the math questions used in this web design project are directly produced based on …

Three-Dimensional Thinking Through Bookmaking, Whitney Harris

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Greekmate: Communicating Startup Value Through Design And Marketing, Cameron Do-Khanh

Graphic Communication

This project examines how design and marketing can improve communication for early-stage software by applying these principles to GreekMate, a candidate management tool built for student organizations. The software functioned well but lacked a strong brand identity and clear value communication. Using Diffusion of Innovation Theory and research on UX strategy, the project focused on redesigning the brand system and marketing website to make the product easier to understand and more appealing to its audience. The redesign included a new visual direction, updated hierarchy, clearer feature explanations, and a more energetic style that aligned with student expectations. Informal user feedback …

Seattle's New Edition, Kyle Gray

Graphic Communication

My project is to create and develop the branding of the NBA's newest franchise: The Seattle Grunge. Grunge is a genre of alternative rock that emerged in the mid-1980s particularly in the city of Seattle. With my team, I am looking for seamless cohesion with other logos in the Association while establishing an emotional connection between the fanbase and its city. The project will consist of a complete creation of the team’s logo/branding, court, 3 jersey designs (home/away/city connect), merchandise, season ticket packaging, and a full marketing report (team logo exposure/connection to the city).

Afrography: Scripting Futures Anchored In Culture & Community, Osmond Tshuma

Masters Theses

Latin and Arabic are the most used writing systems in Afrika, not only because of their functionality but because of colonial history. Colonialism established Eurocentrism as the standard, while Afrikan creations were marginalized and demonized. This thesis investigates various ways of reclaiming identity through typography using the concept of Sankofa, which emphasizes retrieving and learning from the past to build the future. By integrating cultural objects into designs and everyday visual language, we can challenge and reverse the demonization imposed on Afrikan symbols by colonial narratives.

The belief of Ubuntu, the philosophy that an individual’s well-being is intrinsically tied to …

Mindful Symbiotic Ecosystems. Designing For Women In Remote Workspaces, Andrea Guevara Araujo

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Women represent 61% of designers in the workforce but hold only 29% of leadership roles. This disparity highlights a critical need for an ecosystem that removes barriers and cultivates mentorship, community, and leadership among women (Bolt, 2020). Even though women have proven their ability to succeed in male-dominated corporate cultures, the real question is not about capability but sustainability. Driven by overwork, competition, and burnout, the workplace does not just push women out; it leads to long-term instability for the entire organization (Krivkovich et al., 2024). In the workplace, a culture of masculinity reinforces harmful, outdated mindsets and glorifies aggressive, …

Cavedivers: A Multi-Media Visual And Musical Release, Emily J. Langford

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

For my graduating UNO Honors Program capstone project, I have chosen to undertake a creative project that involves recording and releasing an album with my band, Cavedivers, while also designing the visual media and advertising graphics to accompany the release. The songs we have recorded were all written and developed before the start of this project. Therefore, this project is less of a songwriting endeavor, since most of that process is already complete, and more of an experimentation and workshop in communicating music through recording and identifying effective trends within graphic design.

As an art major and musician, this has …

Creative Ties: Using Design To Build Connections And Reduce Loneliness, Madelyn Arnold

Honors Projects

While loneliness is a universal infliction, there are specific demographics that are disproportionately affected by this experience. The older adult population is at a much higher risk of experiencing feelings of loneliness and the negative health risks that come from extended periods of isolation. The severity of loneliness within the older adult population cannot be overstated. Art therapy techniques have been studied as a potential tool to reduce these feelings and side effects in this vulnerable population.

Moved by the profound effects and high rates of loneliness for older adults, this project seeks to create a tool to alleviate these …

Mind The Gap: An Exploration Into The Accessibility, Ease Of Use, And Design Of Public Transport Wayfinding, Jack Nierenberg

Honors College Theses

Wayfinding, an essential aspect of public transport, is not always accessible, user-friendly, or well-designed. Because of this, people with disabilities, language barriers, or other difficulties understanding information or navigating public transport are put at a disadvantage. This thesis explores prior research and projects, as well as in-depth case studies of three cities' public transport systems, to identify best practices and guiding principles for enhancing accessibility, ease of use, and design. These principles can be incorporated into a unifying standard to improve public transport wayfinding and bridge gaps in existing systems.

Improving The User Experience Of Joining Bowling Green State University’S Intramural Sports Program, Emily Piekenbrock

Honors Projects

This project, completed as part of the Honors and VCT Synthesis coursework at Bowling Green State University, focuses on improving the user experience of joining and participating in the university’s intramural sports program. Despite the program's popularity and impact on student life, usability issues within its IMLeagues platform and inconsistent or missing rulebooks have created barriers to entry and engagement. To address these challenges, the project involved the design and development of a standardized, user-friendly set of rulebooks for all intramural sports, a how-to guide for purchasing IM passes, and a quick-reference card for flag football referees. Grounded in research …

Releaf By Design: Eco Conscious Cannabis Packaging, Abigail Jane Fleishman

Graphic Communication

ReLeaf is an innovative project that explores the dynamic intersection of sustainability and functionality in cannabis packaging. This project explores the urgent need for environmentally responsible solutions in an industry often reliant on single-use plastic. This project uses an innovative lens to research current eco-friendly packaging using kraft paperboard tubes, ultraviolet glass jars, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. This project aims to create a packaging solution that meets industry safety standards while appealing to eco-conscious consumers by prioritizing recyclability, biodegradability, aesthetic design, and compliance with safety regulations. The branding strategy, embodied in the name “ReLeaf,” emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of …

Senior Show - Merch Design, Nicole Tranel

Senior Art Portfolios

This Senior Capstone Project serves as the culmination of my undergraduate journey, highlighting the skills I have acquired and demonstrating my ability to apply them in real-world professional settings such as merch design. Through this project, I expanded my expertise beyond artistry, embracing design as a complementary skillset that enhances my creative and problem-solving abilities.

Buried In Pixels, Aya Khalife

Theses and Dissertations

This book is an accumulation of design fragments, personal memory, research, and reflection. It explores how design participates in shaping what is seen and unseen—especially in contexts of war, media, and displacement. Through image, text, and installation, the work questions representation, visibility, and the aesthetics of documentation. The book does not follow a fixed narrative structure; instead, it invites nonlinear reading, mirroring the fractured nature of memory and the politics of archival form.

Intro To Motion Graphics & Effects, Andrea E. Defelice

Open Educational Resources

Introduction to Motion Graphics & Effects MEDST 258 Section 1, 3 credits | Open Educational Resources (OERs) Faculty Fellowship Program 2024-2025 Online/Synchronous | Professor Andréa DeFelice

Links: Academic Commons: https://motiongraphicsfx.commons.gc.cuny.edu

OER-Calibrated COURSE DESCRIPTION: Get a project-based approach to the aesthetic and technical aspects of motion graphics and effects. This introductory course is designed to inform and inspire beginners, while utilizing OER and zero-cost materials. Students enrolled in this course are provided a free Adobe CC license and taught to use Adobe After Effects. Students are also taught how to be resourceful by searching out open license/free media online, by way …

Human Nature: Exploring The Role Of Design In Skincare Branding, Gus Smith

Honors College Theses

Human Nature is a clean skincare brand aimed at first-time skincare users in their mid-20's that uses a four-step system to provide a simplified approach to high-quality skincareI aim for Human Nature to be an approachable, relatable, trustworthy product for buyers in this demographic, and branding is tantamount to this goal. The research stage of this project focused on other skincare brands and advertising, mapping out where my brand would fit and how it would respond to other brands. As this is a graphic design project, This project includes a cohesive visual identity that communicates the brand, including packaging, web …

Dim111.2 Design Analysis Essay Example 1, Sae University College

Exemplars

Visual analysis essay of a historical design piece, exemplar.

Dim111.2 Visual Response Presentation Example 1, Sae University College

Exemplars

Redacted example of a visual analysis and personal visual response, as in-class presentation slides.

Ddx181.1 Visual Identity Design Example 2, Sae University College

Exemplars

DDX181 Project 1 work from 24T2. Student exemplar.

Ddx181.1 Visual Identity Design Example 1, Sae University College

Exemplars

DDX181 Project 1 work from 24T2. Student exemplar.

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 …

Advertising To Generation Z, Taryn Romaine

Honors College Theses

The goal of this project is to analyze the history and background of those born between 1997 and 2012, also known as Generation Z, and determine its effect on how this Generation receives and reacts to advertising. In addition, through the use of a personally created and conducted poll, I gathered data on a portion of Generation Z individuals and their preferences to certain elements of advertisement design. These elements are text content, layout, color, and relatability/authenticity. My project discusses how advertisers and advertisement designers, such as myself, can implement these preferences in order to effectively advertise to Generation Z. …

The Ai Effect: Rethinking Design Workflows For Enhanced Productivity And Creativity, Israel Adeleye

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming how designers work with computers. This thesis explores the developing relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and design processes, focusing on how it impacts the creation of digital experiences. This study examines the impact of AI on design, highlighting how AI can improve efficiency and creativity alongside ethical challenges and the need to preserve human uniqueness in digital creations. It investigates AI's effects on design workflows, creativity, and the designer's evolving role through interviews, content analysis, case studies, and surveys. The aim is to understand AI's influence on designer productivity, innovation, and …

Linguistic Heritage In Digital Landscape: A Collective Memory Of Indigenous Script, Sumi Limbu

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The present-day digital world reflects the historical structures of power, as evidenced by the dominant presence of specific languages in online spaces. Globalization, post-colonization, and language preferences on digital platforms also present significant dangers to indigenous languages, resulting in their gradual disappearance in both online and offline settings. The insufficient provision of typographical support and acknowledgment worsens the marginalization of indigenous languages by hindering their inclusion in digital spaces. The script plays a vital role in visual design by effectively delivering information. Language serves as the primary means of communication, which enables knowledge production. This study aims to look into …

Researching & Designing Marketing Materials For Rachel Messer & Connor Dale, Isabelle Bauer

Honors Projects

Isabelle Bauer’s Honors Project, “Researching and Designing Marketing Materials for Rachel Messer and Connor Dale” is split into two components. First, the research paper titled "The American West as a Cultural Phenomenon" explores the fascination with the American West and its integration into various aspects of American culture, particularly in music, film, and art. The essay discusses the historical significance of the West and its transformation into a cultural obsession. Focusing on the resurgence of Western aesthetics in modern country music, the project’s second component involves the creation of marketing materials for country artists Rachel Messer and Connor Dale.

The …

Lumina: Illuminating The World Of Holistic Beverage Branding With Switchel, Lily Lang

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This Capstone Experience project establishes a compelling brand identity for the beverage switchel, under the name Lumina. Through a comprehensive branding blueprint, a strategic framework is crafted to guide brand development. This framework encompasses industry, competitor, and strategic analyses alongside consumer insights, a communication strategy, and cost of implementing ideas. With these insights, the project extends beyond theoretical constructs to practical applications, including label design, and website prototyping. By integrating elements of advertising and design, this project aims to not only reimagine switchel, but also to establish Lumina as a distinctive and resonant presence in the beverage industry. Through strategic …

Multitudes, Madison Otter

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Identity is a fluid and layered experience enriched by contradictions, the power of interpersonal relationships, and continuous growth. Recognizing oneself as a blend of opposing traits—strong and tender, contemplative and restless—reveals that humanity is anything but black and white. With each passing day, we evolve, bringing new perspectives and insights with us. As Walt Whitman wrote, "[we] contain multitudes.''

Although no single artistic medium can fully capture this for me, using multiple modes of expression allows me to explore and approximate it. This realization was the origin of my thesis.

The process of creation itself, whether quick or deliberate, is …