Date
5-2019
Department
School of Visual and Performing Arts
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)
Chair
Monique Maloney
Keywords
Education, Visual, Design, Branding, Learning, Classroom
Disciplines
Art and Design | Education | Graphic Design | Higher Education
Recommended Citation
Sultanik, Keenan, "The Utilization of Visual Design Systems to Promote Higher Levels of Learning in Educational Environments" (2019). Masters Theses. 566.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/566
Abstract
Traditional higher education environments have changed very little in the last hundred and fifty years, while technology has advanced in nearly every other area of society making each more productive and more capable. This study identifies key aspects of a comprehensive and universal visual learning system that incorporates a more holistic approach to design and interactivity in educational environments. The desired effect of this is elevating classroom learning to higher levels as defined by Bloom’s Taxonomy. In this thesis, I have collected and explored empirical and observational data to examine the relationship between effective learning environments and the use of visual aids and interactive experiences. Research in the forms of case studies and personae will present how effective educators are utilizing technology and visuals in and out of the classroom and how individuals associate information through relationships of color, shape, form, hierarchy and other visuals. This research has been applied to a brand identity system designed to facilitate deeper learning and specifically applied to the hypothetical department of Creative Arts at West Coast Baptist College. Visual support of a presentation must include powerful storytelling, the establishment of an emotional connection between speaker and audience, a rigorous and thorough preparation, and content mastery on the part of the presenter. Online learning-based video content should take advantage of bilateral cognitive processing of both visuals and audio, should be limited in length to capitalize on the ideal attention span of the viewer, and should be bundled with interactive, actionable content or questions for the best long-term retention rates. The aim of the research was to establish a set of guidelines for the evolution of education in the adoption of modern visual and interactive design systems to better engage a new generation of learners. The research has been applied to create a flexible, comprehensive, and universal design system that can be packaged for implementation in the classroom environment in nearly any teaching field.
