MEDA 488/9
Capstone in Graphic Design
Capstone serves as the culmination of our students' design education. This two-semester experience is the final stage of their journey, a transition from student to professional. Unlike a typical class with a fixed project, the capstone challenges students to identify and explore their own passion. The goal is to move beyond simply creating a finished product and instead, focus on a theme-driven problem-solving process.
This is where design becomes more than just aesthetics; it becomes a powerful tool for social good. We begin by asking students to become informed researchers. They start with an examination of a current issue or theme that they feel passionate about. This exploration includes both qualitative and quantitative research to understand the complexities of their chosen subject. By diving into data, conducting interviews, and observing real-world situations, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing landscape.
The heart of this course is the concept of human-centered design. Because design is inherently human-facing, students are required to place the end-user at the forefront of their entire process. The final solution is not predetermined; it emerges from a deep understanding of the people they are designing for. The project is a chance to apply every principle and skill they've learned—from typography and hierarchy to motion and narrative—to create a meaningful solution that addresses a real-world need.
The Solutions
This is where you see the results of that deep dive. The projects before you are not just polished artifacts; they are the tangible outcomes of a rigorous research and problem-solving process. Because the students' passion and their end-user's needs drove the final solution, you will find a diverse range of outcomes. Some students found that a physical object was the most effective way to communicate their message, leading them to create zines, while others discovered that digital interaction was key, resulting in the design of websites and applications. In other cases, a visual narrative was the most powerful solution, culminating in compelling interactive videos. These varied formats are a testament to the students' ability to not only solve a problem but to choose the most appropriate medium to bring their vision to life. These are a few selected pieces that are showcased.