Senior Projects | Project 4

Thesis

the·sis
noun

1. A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.
2. A long essay or dissertation involving personal research, written by a candidate for a college degree.

Blah, blah, blah, right?

Let’s turn the notion of a traditional thesis on its head. Yes, you will be doing a lot of research pertaining to your subject. Yes, there will be a written component. Yes, it should be academic in nature and push the field forward. But, we’re designers and designing is what we shall do.

Enter, you.

I want you to find something that you feel passionately about. Something that interests you and has a strong (or loose) tie to the field of graphic design. Do not regurgitate an idea that has been researched to death.

I want you to break through the “stigma wall” that research has to be boring and has to be devoid of emotion. Find a cause you believe in. Find a section of design history that has been “redacted.” Define a new Gen Z design movement. Write something you would want to read!

Example: If you are interested in developing a typeface, don’t just create a sans-serif and call it a day. That’s boring and we have enough damn sans-serif fonts already! Find a niche within and expand.

For example: Studying “why” or “how” gender has been traditionally applied to certain fonts and then create what you consider a gender neutral one.

You will need to type a one page document explaining the broad strokes of your thesis topic. This is called a “Thesis Abstract.”

• One full page in Word, 12 pt
• Single-spaced
• Tentative title & subheading
• Your name
• Any supporting imagery is very welcomed

Another example: For my Grad-Thesis, my topic was “Designer Burnout” but that’s pretty broad right? To add layers upon layers of backup, I chose to emphasize how collecting objects that I felt carried inherent quality, could help tether me to the field and also maintain a joyful relationship with my practice.

You may choose surface concepts or dive deeper into cultural ideology where you tackle sensitive issues like the lack of diversity in design, exposing the dark side of the Bauhaus and Modernism, highlighting a singular figure within the history of design, etc.

REQUIREMENTS

• There will be a required element of research backed by a bibliography. We will use APA style. You must cite all research avenues, regardless of where you find them. Websites, journals, BOOKS, etc. You may use the citation tool. https://www.citationmachine.net/apa
• There will be a required element of design to visually aid the research. Documentation is a form of design. It’s all in how you arrange the documentation/images. You must credit where you pulled your images. Do not use low res, pixelated images. They must be hi-res and of the best quality. You will lose massive points for pixelation or blur.
• A colophon (Documentation of paper, printing / binding technique, typography, etc.)
• Your research & design must be assembled into a professional level ‘zine-styled publication. Size, orientation, and binding will be up to you, but do not make it an afterthought. A minimum of 5"x7" when closed. You may do a series of small ‘zines to break up a topic. Craft will need to be as close to perfect as you can get it. Again, you will lose lots of points if I find that it is rushed and lacking effort. I won’t accept any thesis printed on copy paper and stapled in the corner.
• If there is 3d work, it must coexist with the printed document in a manner that is consistent with the aesthetic you choose.
• Be original and practice original thoughts. I will check for plagiarism, trust me.

THE CATCH

The form of this thesis will be entirely up to you, but I will be advising you on depth and length. If I feel like you have not pushed yourself, be prepared to dive deeper. If I feel like you are biting off more than you can chew, be prepared to narrow your focus.

This is your capstone project, folks. It will be a reflection of who you are as well as who you intend to be within the field of graphic design.

The purpose of this project is to tap into every class you have taken here at Edinboro. From writing classes, to history classes, to your fine arts studios, and finally your concentration. Apply 4± years of education to a culminating experience. Utilize what our area has to offer (tools, professors, etc), but also take advantage of the other areas within the Art Department. I highly doubt any professor will deny you use of studios if you explain your research. In fact, I’m sure they would be enthusiastic to help.

Lastly, I do not want to hear “I don’t know what to do” or “I can’t think of anything.” You’re lying to yourself! Each and every one of you are smart, talented, and are passionate about something either directly or loosely related to this field. You WILL surprise yourself!

Please follow the schedule on Google Drive for progress and due dates.