Thesis Project Process | Thesis Topics

GR600_OL1: Visual Communication Lab

Instructor: Jeremy Stout

Jiayu Wang

Thesis Project Process Blog 

Written Reflection

The thing I did most in the process of self-reflection, investigation, and exploration of topics is chatting with friends. Chatting can help me sort out some troubled thoughts, and it can also generate inspiration from different perspectives. I will mention the choice of topics with my friends. Friends who don’t know the graphic design will examine the theme and meaning from the audience’s perspective. The feedback they give me will predict the state of the design’s final return to life, from a daily perspective. Friends who know the design will help me analyze the basic factors and components, and put forward some assumptions for me to reflect on. So when I get stuck on something or don't know how to proceed, chatting helps me a lot.

I think part of the success is opening my mind. By reflecting on my own life and listing my personal interests and passions, I am gathering some clues as I review myself. Some information came to me suddenly, and these can also be collected and used. In the investigation of the surrounding environment and the news, assumptions are also generated to solve the problem, even if some are illogical. It will be easier to create topics after opening my mind. Where it didn't work out was when I realized how little information I know from the outside. I am not familiar with the part of collecting news and newspaper content, so I wasted a lot of time looking for news websites and magazines. Perhaps it is one reason for restraining me. I think I need to spend some time in my daily life on browsing the news. 

When discussing my ideas for topics with my friends, there are a few points that I find very interesting. What is the premise to be considered in the design? Do popularization and commonality need to be put in the first place? Because when asking friends about topics they are interested in, they will consider whether this question is a popular question, related to their lives, or something they have come into contact with. This makes me associate them with the target audience. Personal preferences can also filter out topics that you don't want to explore.