Date
9-25-2025
Department
School of Communication and the Arts
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)
Chair
Chris Clark
Keywords
Holonic Systems, Warm Data, Modular Design, Recursive Design, Transcontextual Systems, Anticipatory Systems, Mindful UX, Spiritual UX, Ethical AI Adoption, Design Entrepreneurship, Branding Ecosystems, Systems Thinking, Ecological Design, Nora Bateson, Robert Rosen, Arthur Koestler, Design Justice, Value Sensitive Design, Wellness Branding, Eco-conscious Branding, Cultural Branding, AI and Design
Disciplines
Art and Design
Recommended Citation
Molina, Jessica, "Integrating Artificial Intelligence & Purpose-Driven Design within Spiritual, Wellness, Eco-Conscious, & Cultural Brands" (2025). Masters Theses. 1380.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1380
Abstract
This visual thesis explores the practical and ethical applications of artificial intelligence in the work of designers for brands that promote wellness, spirituality, eco-consciousness, and cultural identity. The central challenge in adopting AI will be balancing the capitalization on its benefits with assessing the ethical ramifications of its adoption, while still upholding brand values, the imperative of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and integrity. As the technology and capabilities of AI continue to skyrocket, purpose-driven designers will remain under-resourced and underdeveloped in frameworks for ethical adoption. This work seeks to resolve the existing gap through a literature review, case studies, and a practical research project, culminating in a visual solution comprising one infographic diagram and a brand AI adoption strategy document. Together, they create a foundation for the ethical use of AI in the design practice. These systems are Warm Data, Holonic, Modular, Recursive, Transcontextual, and Anticipatory. These are not mutually exclusive categories, but rather overlapping aspects. Warm Data contains both Recursive and transcontextual processes, and anticipatory systems utilize recursion and transcontextuality for all possible imagined futures. Cumulating in holonic ecology, where each system feels complete and unique in itself, but is also nested within other systems. The end product, a one comprehensive infographic inspired by the structure of the mandala and supported by AI brand strategy documentation, is simple, yet intensely symbolic, enabling designers to experience the beauty of these theories without becoming lost in them. The work becomes a model of simplicity for complexity. Through the incorporation of system theory within the field of design, this thesis also relates to the broader debates on artificial intelligence and its recent influence on the design industry. It provides designers, inspired entrepreneurs, and educators with a roadmap to guide them through automation, authorship, moral dissemination, and human-machine collaboration, enabling them to remain as honest and trustworthy in their cause-based branding as possible.
