Design
Coursework afforded the opportunity to explore various areas of design: information design, design for social impact, environmental design, interaction design, and more.
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Aquifer and Spring News: Information Design
The Project
Starting with a topic, and through exploration of the use of data, research, social issues, and the use of reflection; apply the best practices of information design to explore the possibilities of data visualization and infographics.
The Process
I researched water usage facts for residents of San Marcos, gathering data to work from. Working with the data and environmental facts, including the unique Texas Blind Salamander, I explored various approaches to quickly convey messages that would engage and inform viewers.
The Result
A messaging system that would give faculty, staff, students, residents, and visitors a sense of the of the Edwards Aquifer that provides water for everyday use and feeds the popular recreation spot, the San Marcos River. This project proposed the use of a digital sign in a public space to build awareness by sharing fascinating facts mixed with lighthearted imagery. Community outreach would share the same content via mobile devices.
Idea Spring: Design for Social Impact
The Project
Identify a community partner, conduct research through immersion and observation, documenting the research process and outcomes for a process book, to be used to create designs/visuals to tell the story of the project.
The Process
I chose Aquarena Springs, which had roots in San Marcos since the late 1920s, starting with glass bottom boats, a hotel, and later, amusement attractions. The park had aged into disrepair when Texas State University had taken ownership of the grounds in the early 1990s. I arrived as a new direction was being charted. I spent a lot of time at the site attending various events, observing and talking to people. To gain deeper insights, I devised a toolkit to help draw ideas out of the staff of Aquarena Springs. I provided a few simple prompts, snacks, and materials for them to record ideas.
The Result
The toolkit with participatory activities proved to be an unexpected success. Staff appreciated having an outlet for their suggestions and ideas; they readily wrote notes, drew on a map I supplied, and provided examples of their own. This feedback, along with my own observations, led to a lengthy list of design ideas to help Aquarena attract visitors and make the transition to being part of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
Lionfish Catch: Interaction Design + Design for Social Impact
The Project
Create an application for iOS that helps people create social change or solve a problem through networking, information sharing or curating.
The Process
Lionfish are the scourge of the Caribbean! Thought to have been released off the coast of Florida, and with no natural predators, they are spreading like wildfire and reproducing at incredible rates while gobbling up other fish populations. This app is designed as an aid to divers who are trying to help fight the spread of Lionfish, making the process of recording catch data simple and fun.
The original design was intended for an iPad but changed to a phone because that was more likely to be used by divers in the field.
The Result
An iPhone app designed as an aid to divers, recording the catch data to be shared with the scientific and diving community, all working to limit the increase of lionfish.
Poster for Tomorrow
The Project
Design a poster in response to the brief from Poster for Tomorrow's “Gender Equality Now!” competition. From the brief: “We need gender equality now, because more opportunities for women are more opportunities for us all.”
The Process
My research led me to Atlas who has long had the weight of the world on his shoulders. A woman could bring her wisdom and strength to share his burden; illustrating how women can make important contributions, just as men do.
The Result
A graphical poster design showing Atlas and his female companion sharing the weight of the world.
Visit Poster for Tomorrow gallery