MFA, Kent State University, 2017, College of Communication and Information / School of Visual Communication Design

This thesis is an investigation into sustainable business models and the different evaluation methods utilized in social innovation design. Over the last twenty years, there has been an increase in awareness and desire within the design industry to utilize design as a way to help solve some of the large, systemic social problems facing people all over the world. To make this work financially and sustainably, designers are utilizing a variety of for-profit and nonprofit business models. However, these business models are potentially hindering social innovation designers' access to the resources needed to measure the impact of their work. Social innovation designers are co-designing and developing services, programs, systems, and products with nonprofits and communities that are dealing with these social problems. Social change work of this nature requires designers and their partners to be engaged in measuring the long-term impact of their work in order to truly make lasting change. This has led social innovation designers to turn to evaluation methods used in the parallel fields of social work, community organizing, education, and public health, in order to track the impacts of their work. These evaluation methods also play a key role in helping social innovation designers better communicate the value they bring to their clients and partners. By utilizing and integrating these evaluation methods into their design processes, social innovation designers are leading the way for this field to gain broader acceptance and support.

Committee: Ken Visocky O'Grady MFA (Advisor); Jessica Barness MFA (Committee Member); Sanda Katila MFA (Committee Member) Subjects: Design; Entrepreneurship; Social Work; Systems Design

Master of Fine Arts, The Ohio State University, 2018, Design

This research is an investigation of interactive data visualization systems, methods, and techniques, guided by a practice-led design research process, case study applications, and qualitative user research. The study specifically documents the design process of interactive data visualization applications developed to illuminate the environmental effects of the Syrian War, using interaction design techniques which are a powerful tool to map complex events and dynamic situations. Design, ethnic culture, and environmental issues have informed this thesis study, guided by design for social change. The preparatory work on dance and digital design contributed to the technical understanding needed for this project, which has become practicing Interactive Data Visualization: Applications Used to Illuminate the Environmental Effects of the Syrian War. As a designer from Turkey, I believe I have a responsibility to use creative means to facilitate social development and change. My aim was practicing methods of data visualization through case study applications to reveal long term impacts of urban destruction caused by the Syrian War. As a Turk who has closely observed the impact of wars in the Middle East region. Data visualization applications were created with a report from the PAX for Peace Organization. My first case study application was presented in a 3-dimensional construct, enabling viewers to interact with data through touch technologies. My second application was an interactive webpage designed with the same data set in a simpler layout. To assess the applications, usability testing was implemented to compare and analyze the possible improvements and future applications of the user interfaces. The intent of gathering feedback was to discover whether data visualization, interactive interfaces, and design-thinking methods have the potential to improve understanding, communication and innovative thinking by enhancing the effectiveness of the delivery of complex, (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Brian Stone (Advisor); Maria Palazzi (Committee Member); Yvette Shen (Committee Member) Subjects: Design