MFA, Kent State University, 2023, College of Communication and Information / School of Visual Communication Design

This research explores the impact of shelter design on the behavior, well-being, and adoptability of shelter dogs, as well as the experience of potential adopters and visitors. The research questions investigate various aspects of shelter design, including physical environment, layout and flow, cage design, enrichment items, and the role of lighting, color, and sound. By examining these factors, this study aims to provide insights into how shelter design can be optimized to enhance the experience for all involved and increase the likelihood of successful adoptions.

Committee: David Middleton (Advisor); Ken Visocky O'Grady (Committee Member); Jessica Barness (Committee Member) Subjects: Animal Sciences; Animals; Behavioral Psychology; Communication; Marketing

MFA, Kent State University, 2023, College of Communication and Information

The combination of variable fonts and digital signage presents a unique and practical solution to the various challenges wayfinding systems face. These challenges include issues with readability, monolingual signage, low visibility, minimal readership, material waste, and limited adaptability to environmental conditions and space functionality. Variable fonts, on the other hand, are incredibly versatile and adaptive. They can be easily modified, and their display methods can be customized for any resolution or medium, static or digital. With new infrastructures and spaces emerging, typographic and display technologies are continually evolving. Designers must capitalize on and leverage these advancements to instill a better experience for those interacting with them. This investigation examines the directional attributes of a partially formed typeface to ascertain whether typography alone can aid users in navigating a given space. The findings of this investigation set the foundation for shaping the future of environmental graphic design and type design.

Committee: David Middleton (Advisor); Aoife Mooney (Committee Member); Jessica Barness (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Design; Instructional Design; Technology

Master of Fine Arts, The Ohio State University, 2017, Design

Design for Sustainability (D4S) is the process of incorporating environmental considerations into design practice (including environmental impacts, renewable and recyclable materials, material and project processes, etc.). Graphic and Print Designers have yet to fully embrace D4S incorporation for various reasons—fear of losing clients, not knowing how to apply D4S without negatively impacting their work, and a lack of education on the subject are among them. The purpose of this thesis is to explore ways to motivate a change in Graphic Design processes toward more environmentally sustainable processes. The original path of this research was to create a tool for Graphic Designers to use to assess the potential environmental impacts of their projects at the beginning of the design process. Through a series of surveys and interviews with design professionals, it became clear that the issue could not be resolved by a tool alone. The challenge was reframed to focus on the larger context of who could use the tool as well as how they might collaborate in its use on print projects. The reframing resulted in a Journey Map that encompasses the tool concept and all of the `players' that might use it, including Design players (e.g., Graphic and Production Designers, Art and Creative Directors) and Design-Adjacent players (e.g., Clients, Management, Project Managers, and Vendors) in an ongoing process. Its purpose is to motivate them to start, as well as guide them along the journey toward sustainable design. There is a significant need for the Graphic Design field to evolve and become a greater advocate for the environment, given the resources we require of it for our work. This research offers an opportunity for Designers to educate themselves and take the lead on making print projects that showcase D4S thinking. Designers should take the lead, and also collaborate with Design-Adjacent partners to move the industry forward.

Committee: Elizabeth Sanders (Committee Chair); R. Brian Stone (Committee Member); Blaine Lilly (Committee Member); Noel Mayo (Committee Member) Subjects: Design; Environmental Studies; Sustainability; Technology

MFA, Kent State University, 2016, College of Communication and Information / School of Visual Communication Design

Post-industrial cities today are experiencing an influx of new generations moving into local urban communities. Street culture and walkable downtowns and districts are progressively developing in these urban areas, and the need is present for safer and interconnected bicycle infrastructure. Research has proven that the success of a walkable and bikeable environment plays a significant role in the comprehensive sustainability of a city. Therein lies an opportunity for design to help foster environmental experiences involving the urban streetscape. Experiential, or environmental, graphic design elements can improve the safety and connectivity of bicycle pathways for the betterment of the city as a whole. This investigation explores the value that environmental graphic design elements can contribute to the development of safer bicycle pathways, and further examines the role of wayfinding increasing the connectivity of urban bicycle networks. A case-study design investigation was executed involving districts and roadways in the near-west downtown Cleveland, Ohio area. The location is a primary link connecting west side neighborhoods to downtown Cleveland spanning three urban districts, making it a relevant area of study. This study uses design research tactics and prototypes to further understand how design can improve the user experience of Cleveland's bicycle pathways.

Committee: Ken Visocky O'Grady MFA (Advisor); Jessica Barness MFA (Committee Member); David Middleton MFA (Committee Member) Subjects: Design

MFA, Kent State University, 2012, College of Communication and Information / School of Visual Communication Design

This research explores the hypothesis that the identity and environmental design of a business, whether created intentionally or not, attracts customers because it affirms some aspect of the customer's self-concept. Two online surveys featuring photo-simulated shopping experiences in eight shopping scenarios—grocery stores, book stores, shoe stores, bakeries, wine stores, coffee shops, sit-down restaurants, and clothing stores—were distributed to online survey participants to evaluate self-concept, purchasing behavior, the application of retail patron images, store choice, and consumer perception of brand personality. Although connections to self-conflict were not conclusive, the findings of this research imply that consumers make judgments about the quality and availability of merchandise and service based on the exterior of a business. Consumers are also able to convey whom they think shops at a given store, an additional motivator for patronage. The research displays that it is important for retailers to have an understanding of their target audience in order to connect with them, and that predictive value may lie in consumer preference for similar store types.

Committee: Ken Visocky O'Grady (Committee Chair); Sanda Katila (Committee Member); Jerry Kalback (Committee Member) Subjects: Aesthetics; Architectural; Business Community; Design; Interior Design; Urban Planning

MFA, Kent State University, 2011, College of Communication and Information / School of Visual Communication Design

In Cleveland's Hough neighborhood at the corner of East 66th and Lexington Avenue sits an abandoned brick building in front of a large open field. This is the only physical remnant of League Park, the ballpark where Cleveland's professional baseball teams played from 1891 to 1950. For many this space is hallowed ground, rich in baseball history and Cleveland history. But for others it is a vacant space in a community that has suffered with inner city struggles for decades. Aside from an historical plaque, the famed story of the park on the actual site remains untold. Through the use of ethnographic research, including interviews with current and past residents of Hough, city officials, and other key stakeholders, the story of Hough neighborhood and League Park is explored to determine the need and direction for telling the story of the space, in the space. While the city of Cleveland has plans to renovate the space, there is no clear timetable in place to do so. In the meanwhile, a temporary environmental graphic design installation would serve to connect the community with the historical “jewel” in their midst, while also providing baseball enthusiasts something to engage with when visiting the site.

Committee: Prof. David Middleton (Advisor) Subjects: Design