Barbara E Martinson

Process and Pedagogy in Undergraduate Graphic Design Education

ABSTRACT This paper is a case study that examines the process and pedagogy of an innovative project for undergraduate graphic design students. The innovative nature of this project relates to how it demonstrates to students the value of research as a means for informing the design process. The structure and activity of this project offers students learning experiences that correspond to the responsibilities of professional design practice. Specifically, the project includes strategies for students to improve research skills, practise client-relation skills, and gain experience working on design teams. This paper also describes a pedagogical framework for understanding the educational strategies and objectives of the project.

Evaluation of the Omaha System Prototype Icons for Global Health Literacy

Omaha System problem concepts describe a comprehensive, holistic view of health in simple terms that have been represented in a set of prototype icons intended for universal use by consumers and clinicians. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Omaha System prototype icons internationally across ten languages through an on-line survey and in-person focus groups. The icons were generally rated above 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 by 1568 survey respondents, with notable exceptions for some of the more abstract concepts. Overall, the icons were rated 3.49 on a scale of 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree, with a range of 3.09 (Japanese language) to 3.88 (Norwegian language). A pattern of differential agreement was noted among respondents from Asiatic languages compared to all other languages. Feedback from survey respondents and focus group participants was used to refine the icons. General themes related to icon development were synthesized from focus group interviews. Further research should continue to refine and evaluate the icons in different languages for international use to support health literacy through visual literacy.

Designing multilingual communications

Focus groups of recent Hmong and Somali immigrants provided information about effective design variables for public service brochures. Each immigrant group participated in two sessions. The first session queried subjects on preferences for layout and bilingual text, and appropriate fonts and images. During the second session participants reacted to several variations of a brochure that was designed using findings from the first session. Both Hmong and Somali participants preferred a bilingual layout including both their language and English. Font legibility was important; good contrast between letterforms and background was essential. Images uses should respect cultural expectations. The Hmong participants did not respond favorably to images showing native dress, while images of Somali immigrants must respect cultural aspects of dress.

Analysis of the Omaha System Prototype Icons for Health Literacy: A Global Survey

individual and utilization factors within the rehabilitation continuum (discharged to home with no rehabilitation, HHC, or SNF) as predictors of CR use after MI. The Donabedian Model was used to guide this study. This retrospective study used the Chronic Condition Warehouse database of Medicare Beneficiaries (N = 147,227) with an index hospitalization for an MI in 2008. Logistic regression models stratified on discharge destination were used. Attendance in a CR program was 19% (home), 13% (HHC), and 5% (SNF). For all discharge destinations, factors related to CR use were race, gender, dual eligible, and age. Differences among discharge destinations were that women discharged to PAC were 32% to 33% less likely to use CR compared with 7% discharged home and longer length of hospital stay was associated with lower likelihood of CR use for PAC users but not for those discharged home. Older adults who had any disability at discharge from HHC were 66% to 87% less likely to enroll in CR compared with those with no disability. There was no difference in CR use between older adults discharged to SNF with mild disability compared with no disability. A barrier to CR use in HHC was any disability at discharge. Only substantial disability compared with no disability was a factor in reduced likelihood of CR use in those who used SNF even though these older adults had greater levels of disability at the start of SNF than those who used HHC. The intensity of rehabilitation in SNF and HHC may be important for ensuring the continuum of cardiac rehabilitation. Screening and referring older MI patients who use PAC services should be a goal for future policy change.

Exploring binding in color and object memory

Abstract Working memory was used to determine if binding exists in certain color and object combinations. Two types of objects were compared: naturally colored objects and unnaturally colored objects. Ten slides, shown to 30 subjects, were used to explore the characteristics of binding in colors and objects. Slides included combinations that are known to occur in nature (i.e. red apples) juxtaposed with combinations that were assigned by the researcher (i.e. blue apples). Results showed that a single, conflicting combination in a grouping does not necessarily stand out. Results also showed that naturally colored objects were more likely to be remembered than unnaturally colored objects.

Color in graphic design: An analysis of meaning and trends

Graphic design is visual communication through the selection, arrangement, and presentation of words and images, most often for the printed page which offer the designer almost limitless options for color use. The objective of this project is to identify patterns of color use. Ethnographic content analysis was used to document color use in annual reports represented in two publications, Print and Communication Arts, 1993-2000. The analysis focuses on the selection, combination, and contrast of hues; and their use with achromatic values. An analysis of the entire sample indicates that one-third of the annual reports used a palette that include black, white, and a hue from quadrant one (red to yellow). Nearly one-fifth of the designs used black, white, and colors from quadrants one and three (cyan to blue). The large samples for Technology, Health Sciences, Financial, and Civic organizations follow the first pattern. Food Service, Business products and services, and Transportation industries favor the second pattern.