HONORS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM Basic Information Full Name: UC Email: College: Major: Title of Project:

Thematic Area: Expected Project Start Date: Expected Project End Date: Project Information 1. Abstract The intent of this project is to research the appeal of aesthetic design and how it affects viewers. I will study the emotions invoked by certain colors, patterns, and typography, as well as the specific ways in which design conveys action or stability, from the eyes of the viewer. For example, horizontal lines often create feelings of relaxation and stability, whereas diagonals create action, and verticals create feelings of strength and power. In this project, I will use research to understand these ideas and more, as well as develop a thorough enough understanding to be able to use this found knowledge as I develop in my design career. In terms of time commitment, I intend to research for about 2 or more hours a week, adding to a total of about 100 hours by the end of the year. This time is to be spent doing research of already established information sources, as well as determining new information through surveys and observation.

Jordan Stephens stephj3@mail.uc.edu Design, Architecture, Art and Planning Graphic Communications Design Psychology of Design Research 1 January 2014 1 January 2015

2. Connection to Learning Outcomes within Thematic Area A. Possess a well-developed awareness of literature in the field. I intend to gain knowledge from previously established sources including academic journals, essays, books, articles, documentaries, etc. B. Ability to identify and apply appropriate methodologies to design research study, and collect and analyze data. I intend to collect my own data using survey techniques originally, but this technique will need to develop so that I can collect more detailed, more instinctual data. I plan to research past techniques in order to develop a technique of my own to collect adequate data.

3. Connection to Goals and Academic Theories A. This project relates to my goals specifically as I am studying to be a Graphic Designer in the future. I believe that with the information I could

gather through this research experience, I could learn the most effective means and meanings of design, and therefore become an effective designer. B. Kaya, Naz, and Helen H. Epps. "Relationship Between Color And Emotion: A Study Of College Students." College Student Journal 38.3 (2004): 396-405. PsycINFO. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. This article is precisely what I would like to model my own research after. It is a highly detailed gathering of information based around the emotions invoked by certain colors.

4. Initiative, Independence, and/or Creativity I will take initiative in this project by establishing my own information and credibility by creating surveys and doing social and psychological research using subjects of my own finding.

5. Reflection I plan to actively reflect on this research by keeping a cut-and-paste journal of my findings. By cut-and-paste, I mean that if I find articles of images that exemplify my findings, I will paste them into my journal and write about my findings themselves, their relevance to whats posted, and what the posted things actually mean in terms of my specific research.

6. Dissemination The most effective way to share this project publically would be a website that compiles all of the information I gathered. This is probably the most effective for an audience of designers, who do a lot of work using computers and other technology. A website would therefore be most convenient in terms of accessibility and availability.

7. Project Advisor Possible (unconfirmed) Advisor: Leslie Blade Professor College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning Leslie.blade@uc.edu

8. Budget: I do not find a budget to be applicable to this particular project.