Malloy 18 Methodology
The follow methods stem from a breadth of research, some of which is mentioned earlier in this paper. Each author mentioned in this thesis is known and respected in his/her respective field. While not all sources are directly reflected in the adaptive design strategies, the depth of research that has enveloped this process has provided a rich soil for the growth and context of the final results. Early phases of research included understanding perception and psychology as a means of expanding the discourse of Barthes’ semiotics theories to include the designed artifact as a meaning-building interface. Studying pedagogy, including active learning and teaching with the brain in mind, and leadership texts, such as The Tao of Leadership gave insight into methods of communicating with the intention of building intrinsic motivations. Additional historic and contemporary influences include the fields of graphic design theory and discourse, marketing, differentiation, design thinking, emotional branding, logotherapy, and consumer identity. Having expanded my knowledge base through these supportive sources allowed me to then focus on concepts that made the most sense for the given cultural needs. I evaluated the relationships between clients, visual communicators, and users throughout history; simultaneously, I examined how this outlook on the relationship was reflected in the graphic designer’s view of his/her role, and, as such, his/her approach to visual communication. Several books discuss how technology and culture shift; when compared to psychological studies, these sources pointed to the larger challenges visual communicators face. Looking to how others have attempted to appeal to these new understandings, I began to see pathways. Through discussion and surveys I found that the terms that most compelled me, participatory design and co-creation, confused my peers. The concepts were already there; they needed to be reframed and made accessible. And so it began, the journey to make tangible the different pieces