A Master’s Thesis project is a year long exploration of a chosen topic that identifies a problem in the world around. The purpose of the thesis is to find ways that graphic design can be used to address the problem and implement a possible solution that demonstrates unique design thinking. This includes a variety of in-depth research techniques, strategies, explorations, development and execution of deliverables.
MFA Thesis: Upright
BACKGROUND
In my thesis journey, I was intrigued by the role of emotions and strength of character in children’s academic and life success and explored tools that parents and caregivers can use to teach these crucial life skills to their early elementary age children and help them lead happy, healthy and very successful lives. Introducing Upright —Stand tall for good!
Early childhood is a critical period for social and emotional learning. Social-emotional learning refers to developing the skills and attitudes for effectively managing emotions, and building positive relationships. Skills like patience, grit, self-esteem, empathy, resilience, willpower and many others, collectively known as character building. All latest brain science and research suggests strong corelations between character building and future positive outcomes. Children are believed to have a strong foundation for future development if they learn these crucial skills early.
PROBLEM
However, in the contemporary society living upto this ideal is difficult. The existing academic workload pushes character building to a backseat. For busy parents, and educators with a lack of time, adequate tools and clear guidelines teaching these skills is challenging.
STRATEGY
I used my ability in graphic design to build a suite of tools that can turn daily life situations into character building opportunities for parents. The goal was not to make it another subject for parents and children, but to build a lot of little moments to start a conversation about character, while engaged in play.
Upwords: Activity Books
OBJECTIVE
Handy resource for parents with illustrated lessons, hands-on, and easy to implement activities for character building at home.
Upboxed: Learning Kits
OBJECTIVE
Learning kits with a fun to use product line that promotes one skill and can be used during the character building activities.
Upland: Game Application
OBJECTIVE
An educational game app that teaches kids character skills through a narrative gameplay and allows parents to track their child's progress
Curious for More
PROCESS
Check out the entire process of building the brand Upright —right from identifying and defining the problem, research, ideation, creating the brand, identity, visual system and standards, along with more in-depth look into the design solutions.