designing our shared future
Participatory Mural
As the lead researcher and designer of this grant-funded project, I worked together with peers to conduct research on campus perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Through the course of the academic year, we explored how to actively engage in building unity through collaborative practice with various affinity groups, including the Multicultural Student Union (MSU), Hispanic American and Latinx Student Association (HALSA), Asian American Alliance (AAA), Women of Color Club (WOCC), Rhythm n’ Roots (RnR), The Barbershop, and Hillel International.
We also conducted semiotic studies of pattern, color, and repetition based on a quote gathered from WOCC, “You’re here for a purpose, and your purpose is here, with us.” These visual studies led to the creation of a single mural representing our collective effort to build a better campus and unified world for all students, faculty, and staff.
Through the symbols and patterns the design team created inspired by the affinity groups, the campus-wide community were welcomed to contribute their unique interpretation of unity to the mural.
promotional materials
In exploring the concept of unity, our design team engaged in research with affinity-based groups across campus. From this collaboration, we curated bespoke symbols and patterns reflecting unity through diverse cultural, religious, and demographic perspectives. To generate interest and participation, I crafted posters aligned with our brand identity, drawing attention from passersby and effectively bolstering
event attendance.
For the day of the event, I developed postcard takeaways for participants, serving as both inspiration and a curated guide to the symbolism embedded in each design. With detailed explanations provided, attendees delved deeper into the project’s goals and outcomes via a QR code linked to our website. This interactive approach facilitated further exploration and engagement with the themes of unity and diversity.
web design
As a core aspect of the project, our team was committed to maintaining complete transparency, enabling both viewers and participants to gain insights into the project’s journey. This encompassed showcasing a multitude of tasks integral to the project, ranging from conducting interviews and constructing the piece, to curating designs tailored for each group, all the way through to the event day itself.
process
In collaboration with Sherisa Smith, Hannah Caple, Alexandra Houle, Ben Mosher, and Grayson Philbrick.
The process of this project included layers of collaboration, research, construction, and did I say collaboration? Our design team partnered with campus affinity groups, allowing each designer to choose one or two groups to collaborate with. Through interviews, questionnaires, and open conversations, we explored each group’s perspectives and needs related to the project.
Once the research phase was complete, we transitioned into the production stage. Designers created patterns and symbols based on the insights gathered, iterating on their designs while continuing to collaborate with the groups. To ensure the participants felt deeply connected to the final designs, we held critique sessions for feedback, refining the patterns and symbols that would inspire the mural on painting day.
In preparation for the mural installation, we teamed up with the campus construction management club to help design and build the structure. They advised us on the best materials, and as the project was highly hands-on, our design team worked alongside them to construct and install the mural panels into their permanent location.