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219+ Innovative Research Paper Topics for Graphic Design You Should Try

Dive into exciting research paper topics for graphic design! Explore iconic logos, color psychology, and new trends in user interfaces. Graphic design isn’t just about looks—it’s how we communicate. Research hones your skills and lets your unique style shine. 

For graphic design enthusiasts, conducting research is paramount. It not only hones your craft but also cultivates your unique artistic voice. This guide serves as your gateway to delving deeper into the multifaceted world of graphic design, offering an array of stimulating topics to explore.

Whether you’re intrigued by the narratives behind renowned logos, the emotive impact of specific hues, or the latest innovations in crafting digital experiences such as apps and websites, these research paper suggestions are bound to captivate your interest and provide ample opportunity for intellectual exploration. So, arm yourself with your trusty sketchbook, ignite your creative tools, and embark on a journey into the dynamic landscape of graphic design research!

Table of Contents

Importance of selecting an engaging and relevant research topic

Picking the right research topic is crucial because:

  • Focus: It keeps your research on track.
  • Motivation: It helps you stay excited about your work.
  • Relevance: Your topic should add something new.
  • Research: Make sure there’s enough info out there.
  • Engagement: A good topic grabs people’s attention.
  • Growth: Researching something you care about helps you learn.
  • Satisfaction: It feels good to work on something you love.

So, choose wisely! Your topic sets the stage for everything else.

research paper topics for graphic design

Check out research paper topics for graphic design:-

History of Graphic Design

  • Evolution of Graphic Design
  • Impact of Bauhaus Movement
  • Art Nouveau in Graphic Design
  • Graphic Design in World War II
  • Development of Typography
  • Paul Rand’s Influence
  • Japanese Graphic Design
  • Graphic Design in the 1960s
  • Saul Bass in Film Titles
  • Logo Design Evolution
  • Psychology of Fonts
  • Typography in Web Design
  • History of Sans Serif Fonts
  • Calligraphy’s Influence
  • Font Pairing Tips
  • Handwritten Fonts Usage
  • Typography in UI Design
  • Typography in Print
  • Future of Variable Fonts
  • Cultural Significance of Fonts

Branding and Identity

  • Graphic Design in Branding
  • Color Psychology in Branding
  • Successful Rebranding Cases
  • Graphic Design in Politics
  • Cultural Factors in Brand Design
  • Minimalist Design Impact
  • Graphic Design in Nonprofits
  • Social Media’s Role in Branding
  • Personalized Branding
  • Future of Branding

Digital Media and Web Design

  • Evolution of Web Design
  • Graphic Design in UI Design
  • Responsive Design Impact
  • Animation in Web Design
  • Graphic Design in App Development
  • Grid Systems in Web Layouts
  • Visual Hierarchy in Websites
  • Graphic Design in E-commerce
  • Future of Augmented Reality
  • Impact of Dark Mode

Print Media

  • Graphic Design in Magazine Layouts
  • Graphic Design in Newspapers
  • Book Cover Design Evolution
  • Infographics in Print
  • Graphic Design in Posters
  • Zine Culture Influence
  • Future of Print Media
  • Graphic Design in Packaging
  • Eco-Friendly Print Design
  • Special Effects in Print

Advertising

  • Graphic Design in Ads
  • Visual Storytelling in Ads
  • Graphic Design and Consumer Behavior
  • Outdoor Advertising Design
  • Digital vs. Traditional Advertising
  • Social Media Advertising Design
  • Humor in Advertising
  • Graphic Design in Political Ads
  • Graphic Design in Health Campaigns
  • Future of Personalized Ads

Motion Graphics and Animation

  • Graphic Design in Film Titles
  • Evolution of Motion Graphics
  • 3D Animation’s Impact
  • Motion Graphics in Music Videos
  • Graphic Design in Video Games
  • Kinetic Typography Influence
  • Future of Virtual Reality
  • Interactive Graphics’ Impact
  • Graphic Design in Animated Infographics
  • Motion Graphics on Social Media

Cultural and Social Impact

  • Graphic Design in Social Movements
  • Graphic Design and Cultural Identity
  • Graphic Design and Public Opinion
  • Graphic Design in Environmental Awareness
  • Graphic Design in Education
  • Graphic Design and LGBTQ+ Movement
  • Gender Representation in Graphic Design
  • Graphic Design for Diversity and Inclusion
  • Graphic Design and Youth Culture
  • Future of Socially Responsible Design

Technology and Innovation

  • AI’s Impact on Graphic Design
  • Graphic Design in IoT
  • Big Data’s Influence
  • Graphic Design in Blockchain
  • 3D Printing in Graphic Design
  • Future of Holographic Design
  • Graphic Design in Wearables
  • Biometric Technology’s Influence
  • Cloud Computing in Graphic Design
  • Future of Quantum Computing

Education and Professional Development

  • Graphic Design Education
  • Online Learning in Graphic Design
  • Internships in Graphic Design
  • Graphic Design in STEAM Education
  • Future of Graphic Design Curriculum
  • Professional Certifications in Graphic Design
  • Graphic Design Portfolios
  • Mentorship in Graphic Design
  • Networking in Graphic Design
  • Future of Graphic Design Careers

Miscellaneous Topics

  • Graphic Design in Fashion
  • Graphic Design in Food Packaging
  • Graphic Design in Sports Branding
  • Graphic Design in Music Albums
  • Graphic Design in Event Branding
  • Graphic Design in Interior Design
  • Graphic Design in Architectural Visualization
  • Graphic Design in Gaming
  • Graphic Design in Children’s Education
  • Graphic Design in Tourism

Case Studies

  • Apple Inc. Branding
  • Coca-Cola’s Visual Identity
  • Nike’s Swoosh Logo Evolution
  • Airbnb’s Rebranding Impact
  • Amnesty International Campaigns
  • Instagram’s Visual Campaigns
  • Spotify’s UI Design Influence
  • Lush Cosmetics Packaging Design
  • London Underground Graphic Design
  • Google’s Rebranding Journey

Trends and Predictions

  • Minimalist Design Trends
  • Retro Design Impact
  • Sustainability in Graphic Design
  • Globalization’s Influence
  • Gig Economy in Graphic Design
  • Future of Freelance Design
  • Augmented Reality’s Role
  • Digital Nomadism’s Influence
  • COVID-19’s Impact
  • Collaborative Design Platforms’ Future

Ethical Considerations

  • Ethics in Graphic Design
  • Copyright Laws in Graphic Design
  • Plagiarism in Graphic Design
  • Ethics in Graphic Design Ads
  • Cultural Appropriation Impact
  • Graphic Design and Privacy
  • Transparency in Graphic Design
  • Ethical Branding
  • Graphic Design and Media Representation
  • Future of Ethical Design

Graphic Design and Society

  • Graphic Design in Urban Development
  • Graphic Design in Transportation
  • Graphic Design in Healthcare
  • Graphic Design in Government
  • Graphic Design in Community Building
  • Graphic Design and Mental Health
  • Graphic Design in Disaster Relief
  • Graphic Design and Aging
  • Graphic Design and Crime Prevention
  • Future of Graphic Design in Public Policy

Global Perspectives

  • Graphic Design in African Culture
  • Scandinavian Design’s Impact
  • Latin American Graphic Design
  • Asian Graphic Design
  • Middle Eastern Graphic Design
  • Indigenous Art Influence
  • Graphic Design in Global Health
  • Graphic Design in International Relations
  • Globalization’s Influence on Graphic Design
  • Future of Cross-Cultural Design

Psychology and Perception

  • Color Theory in Graphic Design
  • Gestalt Principles in Design
  • Cognitive Load’s Influence
  • Graphic Design and Memory
  • Visual Illusions in Design
  • Emotional Design in UX
  • Graphic Design in Behavioral Change
  • Visual Cues’ Impact
  • Graphic Design and Perceived Value
  • Future of Neuroaesthetics

Graphic Design and Marketing

  • Graphic Design in Content Marketing
  • Visual Branding in Customer Acquisition
  • Graphic Design in Email Marketing
  • Graphic Design in Influencer Marketing
  • Visual Content’s Impact on SEO
  • Graphic Design and Conversion Rates
  • Graphic Design in Customer Retention
  • Visual Storytelling in Brand Loyalty
  • Graphic Design in Marketing Analytics
  • Future of Graphic Design in Digital Marketing

Graphic Design and Technology Integration

  • AI Interfaces Design
  • Blockchain and Graphic Design
  • Machine Learning in Design
  • Smart Home Technology Design
  • IoT Design Impact
  • Wearable Technology Graphics
  • Autonomous Vehicles Design
  • Robotics in Graphic Design
  • Biotechnology Design Influence
  • Nanotechnology in Design

Future of Graphic Design

  • Futuristic City Planning Design
  • Space Exploration Graphics
  • VR Future Design Trends
  • Entertainment Design Future
  • Global Warming and Design
  • Future Transportation Design
  • Retail Experience Design Future
  • Communication Technology Design
  • Genetic Engineering Design
  • Post-Digital World Design

400 Research Paper Topics for Graphic Design PDF

How to choose a research topic in graphic design.

Graphic design is a world of creativity and storytelling. Before you start your research, choose a topic that excites you. Here’s how:

StepDescription
Find Your PassionChoose a topic that genuinely interests you, like color psychology, typography evolution, or design for social impact.
Explore Different AreasLook into design history, communication, tech, and impact to find what sparks your curiosity.
Make It SpecificNarrow down your topic for focused research, like studying the impact of specific color palettes.
Check ResourcesMake sure there’s enough info available for your topic in libraries, online databases, and interviews.
Get InspiredKeep an eye on current events and trends, and think about how design intersects with other fields.
Refine Your IdeaChat with classmates or professionals to make sure your topic is meaningful and contributes to the field.

Remember, choosing a research topic in graphic design is just the beginning of an exciting journey. So, find what excites you, do your research, and get ready to make your mark!

Must Read : 219+ Astonishing Computer Science Project Topics for School Students

Tips for Writing a Successful Graphic Design Research Paper

You’ve got an awesome graphic design topic – now, let’s make your research paper stand out:

  • Start with a clear thesis.
  • Organize logically: intro, review, analysis, discussion, conclusion.
  • Use reliable sources.
  • Add visuals for impact.
  • Offer your own insights.
  • Write clearly and professionally.
  • Show your passion.
  • Keep your voice consistent.
  • Stick to APA or Chicago style.
  • Make it visually appealing.
  • Proofread for errors.

Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine! Your paper will be both informative and visually captivating.

Research Paper Topics for Graphic Design Students

Graphic design isn’t just about looks – it’s about communication. Here are some simple research topics to help you dive deeper:

CategoryProjects
Communication and PerceptionHow does color affect brand perception?
Can data visualization make complex info easier to understand?
What fonts work best for websites?
Design History and TheoryExplore famous design movements.
How has tech changed graphic design?
Study a renowned designer’s impact.
Social Impact and User ExperienceWhy is accessibility in design important?
How can design raise awareness about social issues?
Consider the ethics of UI design.
Emerging Trends and Future DesignHow do motion graphics engage viewers?
What’s next for graphic design in virtual worlds?
Look into blockchain’s impact on design ownership.

Remember, these are just starting points – follow your interests to find your own research focus!

Research Paper Topics for Graphic Design Based on Difficulty

Exploring graphic design through research lets you delve into your interests, refine critical thinking, and make meaningful contributions. Here’s a breakdown of research topics categorized by difficulty to help you choose:

Beginner Level

These topics are perfect for beginners, focusing on fundamental design principles and easily accessible resources.

  • How do color palettes impact brand recognition in different industries?
  • Analyze the evolution of logo design for a specific company.
  • Compare infographics and traditional charts for data communication.
  • Investigate typography’s role in website navigation and user experience.
  • Explore design trends on various social media platforms.

Intermediate Level

These topics go deeper into specific design areas, requiring more focused research and analysis.

  • Study the psychological impact of color combinations on e-commerce purchases.
  • Evaluate user experience improvements in a website or app redesign case study.
  • Examine historical and cultural influences on web design layouts worldwide.
  • Discuss the ethics of emotional design in marketing.
  • Assess different information visualization techniques for scientific data.

Advanced Level

These topics demand extensive research, critical thinking, and possibly original design solutions.

  • Explore AI’s potential in generating personalized graphic design elements.
  • Develop a new design methodology for a particular industry.
  • Investigate blockchain’s impact on design ownership and intellectual property.
  • Analyze the intersection of psychology, marketing, and UI design.
  • Study graphic design’s role in driving social change for specific movements or issues.

Difficulty is subjective. Consider your research skills, resource access, and comfort level with complex topics. A well-researched paper on a “beginner” topic can be just as impactful as an “advanced” one.

Additional Tips

  • Seek advice from professors or design mentors to align topics with your interests and skills.
  • Start broad and narrow down your focus as you research.
  • Combine graphic design with other fields like psychology or technology for unique angles.

Let your research journey be a creative exploration and a showcase of your design thinking. Good luck!

Research Paper Topics for Graphic Design  Based on Grades

While difficulty can vary, here’s a breakdown of graphic design research topics categorized by potential grade levels, acknowledging that specific requirements may differ based on your program:

High School/Introductory Courses

Focus: These topics cover foundational design principles, exploration of famous designers, and accessible research resources.

  • The history and symbolism of a specific logo or brand.
  • How typography choices affect poster readability.
  • Comparing design trends on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube .
  • Using infographics versus traditional charts for school projects.
  • Analyzing a prominent graphic designer’s work and their industry influence.

Undergraduate Level

Focus: These topics dive deeper into specific design areas, requiring focused research and analysis.

  • How color palettes impact brand recognition in industries like healthcare and technology.
  • Analyzing web design evolution across regions, considering historical and cultural influences.
  • Case study on website or app redesign for improved user experience.
  • Ethical considerations in using emotional design for targeted marketing.
  • Effectiveness of information visualization techniques for complex scientific data.

Graduate Level (Masters in Design Programs)

Focus : These topics demand extensive research, critical thinking, and potentially original design solutions.

  • Using AI to create personalized and culturally relevant graphic design elements.
  • Developing new design methodologies for industry challenges.
  • Impact of blockchain on design ownership and proposing ethical solutions.
  • Cross-disciplinary analysis of psychology and sociology on UI design and user behavior.
  • Graphic design’s role in driving social change and proposing interventions.

Remember: These are just starting points! Consider your research skills, resource access, and passion when choosing a topic. A well-researched paper on a “high school” level topic can be just as impactful as an advanced one, depending on your approach.

What are the research interests for graphic design?

Check out the research interests for graphic design:-

Understanding Communication and Perception

  • How colors affect emotions and branding.
  • Using design for effective storytelling.
  • Making text easy to read and understand.
  • Creating meaningful symbols and signs.

Exploring Design History and Theory

  • How past design movements influence us.
  • Impact of technology on design.
  • Studying influential designers.
  • Evolution of iconic logos and branding.

Considering Social Impact and User Experience

  • Designing for everyone’s needs.
  • Presenting data visually.
  • Using design for social good.
  • Improving user interactions online.

Anticipating Emerging Trends and Future Directions

  • The power of animation in design.
  • How AI changes the design process.
  • Designing with sustainability in mind.
  • Future of design in a digital world.

These points give a quick overview of key research areas in graphic design.

What do graphic designers research?

Graphic designers conduct research to ensure their designs hit the mark and connect with the audience. Here’s what they typically look into:

Understanding the Client and Audience

  • Client objectives: What’s the goal of the project? What message needs to be conveyed?
  • Audience demographics: Who’s the target? What are their interests, age, and cultural background?
  • Market and competition: Checking out similar designs helps avoid cliches and find unique angles.

Conceptual Development and Inspiration

  • Design trends: Keeping up with what’s hot helps maintain a modern look.
  • Historical movements: Drawing inspiration from past styles adds depth to designs.
  • Visual references: Looking at images, fonts, and layouts sparks creative ideas.

Technical Details and Usability

  • Design tools: Researching software and plugins keeps designers sharp.
  • Printing know-how: Understanding printing techniques ensures designs look good on paper.
  • Accessibility: Following guidelines ensures designs are inclusive and usable by everyone.

Content and Information Design

  • Subject matter: Understanding the topic is crucial for accurate and clear designs.
  • Data accuracy: Reliable data makes for compelling infographics and visuals.
  • User experience: Researching how people interact with information guides design choices.

With thorough research, designers create visually stunning solutions that hit the mark every time.

What are 7 types of graphic design?

Graphic design is diverse, covering various specialties. Here are seven key types:

  • Branding: Creating a consistent brand image.
  • Marketing: Designing visuals for ads and social media.
  • Print: Layout design for magazines and packaging.
  • Digital: UI/UX design for websites and apps.
  • Packaging: Designing product packaging.
  • Publication: Layout design for books and newspapers.
  • Environmental: Integrating graphics into physical spaces.

What is a graphic design thesis?

A graphic design thesis is the final project for graduate-level graphic design students. It showcases their design skills and explores a specific design topic, like style, technology’s impact, or design ethics.

Key Elements

  • Focus: Dives deep into a specific area of design.
  • Research: Based on thorough research and analysis.
  • Design Project: Tangible outcome reflecting research and theory.
  • Written Document: Explains the research, theory, and design process.
  • Defense and Presentation: Presented to a panel for evaluation.
  • Significance: Demonstrates design maturity and creativity.

As you dive into graphic design research, remember the endless possibilities awaiting exploration. This guide gives you a taste of what’s out there – from color psychology to design history to sustainable practices. Find what sparks your interest and go for it!

Dig deep, use all the resources you can find, and don’t be afraid to make your own path. Your research paper could shake up ideas, start conversations, and bring fresh perspectives to graphic design. Just follow your passion, put in the work, and let your project show off your design skills and love for visual communication.

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research topics in graphic design

Graphic Design Dissertation Topics (28 Examples) For Research

Mark Jun 22, 2020 Jun 20, 2020 Graphic Design No Comments

A good graphic designer knows how to attract people by using appealing and innovative work ideas. When working on the thesis, it is important to choose an attractive dissertation topic. To help you out, we have prepared a list of graphic design dissertation topics, which are interesting and useful. The list of graphic design dissertation […]

graphic design dissertation topics

A good graphic designer knows how to attract people by using appealing and innovative work ideas. When working on the thesis, it is important to choose an attractive dissertation topic. To help you out, we have prepared a list of graphic design dissertation topics, which are interesting and useful.

The following list of graphic design research topics includes some of the most interesting topics to work on. You can select any research topic on graphic design for your project from this list and tweak it a bit to make it yours or you can let us help you in preparing a proposal and brief on the chosen dissertation topic in graphic design.

List of Graphic Design dissertation topics

Studying the evolution of graphic designing during different periods.

A cost-benefit analysis of investing for hiring an experienced graphic designer.

Analysing the main stages of development of the graphic design industry.

An analysis of the role of colours in graphic design: the best and worst choices.

A review of the approaches used by male and female graphic designers.

Exploring the relationship between signage and mobile map for indoor wayfinding.

To study the impact of visual information in service design.

An evaluation of designing career paths in graphic design.

Studying the graphic design theory research and application in advanced technology.

An analysis of the usage of artificial intelligence in today’s graphic design.

Studying the trends in layout design of feature articles in outdoor magazines.

To examine the graphic design as an instrument of identity assertation for indigenous people.

Evaluating the aesthetic values of the two-dimensional visual design structure.

A literature review of the basic graphic designs.

Studying the importance of artistic sensibility in graphic designing.

Analysing the role of brainstorming and mocking up design ideas.

An analysis of the projecting budgets and schedules in graphic designing.

Studying the importance of design education beyond boundaries in the 21st century.

A review of the new perspectives on visual communication design education.

An empirical study of applying narrative theory to graphic design courses.

An investigation of creativity in graphic designing education from psychological perspectives.

Studying the end-users challenge graphic designers intuition through visual-verbal co-design.

An analysis of the trends in graphic design over the past decade.

Exploring the factors that contributed to the evolution of digital art.

A literature review on the graphic novel.

Analysing the relationship between graphic design and pop-culture.

Identification of the qualities that a professional graphical designer must possess.

Exploring the distinctive features of web-design using secondary research.

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Graphic Design Dissertation Topics & Titles

Published by Grace Graffin at January 4th, 2023 , Revised On August 16, 2023

Looking for some exciting graphic design research topics for your dissertation? We’ve got you covered. Get your graphic design dissertation topics from our experts.

Whether you’re a student or an active professional, graphics design needs you to be spontaneous. This implies possessing the power to return with distinctive and original work once functioning on a client’s project or a graphic design thesis for your lecturer. It’s one profession that depends entirely on creativity.

Graphic design is in the spotlight everywhere in the United States of America. From easy ad ways that we might read on the TV to advanced animation styles and interactive deposit exhibitions.

This helps to produce an array of various opportunities for finishing a fascinating and innovative graphic design dissertation, with there being a variety of various topic square measures that are prone to more analyses.

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Your graphic design thesis topic is barely nearly as good as your graphic-style dissertation plan. Each square measure is interconnected.

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Another thing to be mindful of when selecting a topic is the availability of literature since undergraduate and graduate-level dissertations . Unlike PhD. Dissertations, have a smaller scope and do not aim to change course or invent a new concept, so the available literature can be of great help in determining the goal, content, and methodology .

The supporting evidence can help you to fortify and strengthen the arguments presented in your dissertation. At ResearchProspect, we make sure that you choose a topic that is relevant, recent, and interesting. We understand the challenges of being a media student, as with each passing day, something new comes up that takes the world by storm.

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2022 Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: critical interpretation of the effectiveness of using graphic designing in advanced marketing strategies to increase conversion of the target audience by the uk retailers..

Research Aim: The aim of this study is to critically interpret the effectiveness of using graphic design in advanced marketing strategies to increase conversion of the target audience by UK retailers.

Objectives:

  • To identify the suitability of graphic designing for marketing purposes.
  • To demonstrate the relevance of using graphic designing in advanced marketing to increase conversion of the target audience in the UK retail sector.
  • To provide valid recommendations to UK retailers about how they can strategically use graphic designing in advanced marketing practices aiming to increase conversion of the target audience.

Topic 2: Investigating the growing practice of graphic designing to use visual arts in healthcare, an initiative by the NHS.

Research Aim: The aim of this research study is to investigate the growing practice of graphic design to use visual arts in healthcare. For an insightful understanding, the study will focus on the initiative taken by the NHS.

  • To analyse the relevance of using graphic design to create visual arts specifically for healthcare purposes.
  • To describe the initiative taken by the NHS for creating visual arts with the help of graphic design and their purposeful utilisation in healthcare.
  • To recommend strategies to ensure the best level of use of graphic design for creating visual arts in healthcare thereby meeting the goals of the NHS.

Topic 3: A critical study on the current trend of graphic communication by using graphic designs to strengthen brand identity and recognition in the UK online fashion brands.

Research Aim: The present research study aims to describe the current trend of graphic communication by using graphic designs to strengthen brand identity and recognition in UK online fashion brands.

  • To study the ongoing trend of graphic communication by using graphic designs and their effectiveness.
  • To examine how the UK online fashion brands rely on graphic communication to strengthen brand identity and recognition by using the means of graphic designing.
  • To provide a set of recommendations for ensuring the best level utilisation of graphic designs for improved graphic communication.

Topic 4: Examining the benefits of extensive use of graphic designs in branding to ensure cost and time efficiency in UK SMEs.

Research Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the benefits of extensive use of graphic designs in branding that can ensure cost and time efficiency in UK SMEs.

  • To carry out a discussion on the advantageous effects of graphic designing in the area of marketing.
  • To determine how branding can be improved by using graphic designs, which leads towards cost and time efficiency in UK SMEs.
  • To suggest the best possible strategies and ways of using graphic designs to improve time and cost efficiency in UK SMEs.

Topic 5: Critically analyse the relevance of using 3d printing and CAD software by professional graphic designers referring to the practice in the UK construction industry.

Research Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse the relevance of using 3D printing and CAD software by professional graphic designers. The research study will focus on the activities and use of these technologies in the UK construction industry.

  • To make a clear idea about the use of 3D printing and CAD software by graphic designers.
  • To shed light on the use of 3D printing technology and CAD software used by graphic designers in the UK construction industry.
  • To provide valid recommendations to the UK construction companies for helping graphic designers with the use of 3D printing and CAD software.

Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: graphic design and commercial distinctiveness.

Research aim: This dissertation topic can elaborate on how organizations and companies rely on graphics to be distinctive and different brands in the town. You can also emphasize how significant graphic design is to mould your business and increase more sales.

Topic 2: Role of graphic design in web design development

Research Aim: Graphic design plays a vital role in web development. In your dissertation, you can tell how graphic design appeals to the audience and how it can bring traffic to your website. As a graphic designer, you can also tell the history of web development and the role played by a graphic designer.

Topic 3: Visual Hierarchy in Consumers Preception

Research Aim: Visual Hierarchy is one of the most necessary principles behind attractive web design is the distinction between a website that strategically influences user flow  that “looks nice.”  You can add the importance of visual hierarchy in the design.

Topic 4: Psychology and its effects on Designing:

Research Aim: Psychology data helps build the look which can make users perform the actions they’re expected, like creating an acquisition or contacting the team. Designers may see psychological science as an advanced approach to enhance the look.

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Topic 5: Challenges in graphic designing

Research Aim: There are many challenges that graphic design faces in the industry. You can highlight topics such as Visual Branding and Project direction in your dissertation.

Topic 6: Photographic theory and graphic design.

Research Aim: In this dissertation topic, you can explain which tools are used by graphic designers and photographers. For what purpose tools are used, and what are the similarities in them.

Topic 7: Graphic design in Great Britain of 1978.

Research Aim: In this dissertation topic, you can discuss the evolution of graphic design during this period of Great Britain in 1978. Discuss how these movements increased the passion for graphic design and what its impact was on youth.

Topic 8: The evolution of graphic design in the 20th century.

Research Aim: In this research paper, you can elaborate on how graphic designing was introduced in the 20th century. How people took it, and how did graphic designing become popular.

Topic 9: Graphic design and corporate identity

Research Aim: You can discuss how graphic designing helped in the evolution of corporate identity. Discuss how brand logos helped increase companies sales by graphic designing, also add a part to empower people towards graphic designing.

Topic 10: Graphic design and mass communication

Research Aim: In this dissertation topic, you can tell how graphic design helps send messages to others by different means, i-e: images or videos. You can also discuss how graphic design works in marketing and how far it is successful.

Topic 11: Graphic design with a low budget

Research Aim: Discuss in your dissertation paper the possibilities to create a graphic product with a low budget. You can also name some companies or individuals who make graphic design on a low budget.

Topic 12: Influence of TV on Graphic Design

Research Aim: There was a need for visual language at the time of TV birth .  Many individuals worked on this and set the standards that still influence what is shown on TV.

Topic 13: Computer graphic designers

Research Aim: This would be the best topic to discuss how computer graphic designers helped increase the scope of graphic designing. Does this profession still attract people? Does this profession still worth it?

Topic 14: Paul Rand and his graphic design

Research Aim: In this dissertation paper, you may write about this well-known graphic designer who created many memorable logos and made many contributions to graphic designing. You can also quote other designers too who can be an inspiration for others.

Topic 15: Trends in Graphic Designing

Research Aim: Graphic design has so much innovation from the last decade till now. In your dissertation topic, you can discuss some main trends like 3d design and typography, Art deco and Isometric design etc.

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Topic 16: Women and graphic designing

Research Aim: Women have fought for equal chances in every field, like leadership, economic platforms, and politics. You can elaborate on how women are more creative and how they are taking part in graphic designing and making marks.

Topic 17: Development of career path in graphic designing

Research Aim: In your dissertation paper, you can tell that the typical graphic designer career path starts with the junior designer, which leads to senior designers, art directors, motion artists, web developers, and many more careers. You can empower youth to opt for these professions.

Topic 18: Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Graphic Design

Research Aim: AI is one of the most demanding and latest niches in IT. You can elaborate on how AI to help designers to make designs faster, efficiently, and cheaply. Moreover, you can talk about how AI can also take over designing and neglect humanly efforts.

Topic 19: How Graphic Design Revolutionized Product Packaging

Research Aim: Appealing and fanaticizing product packaging can play an essential role in increasing your sales. You can tell how packaging can attract consumers to buy the product. For example, vibrant colours are used in cosmetic packaging

Topic 20: Website Design and Sales

Research Aim: Improving your website’s style will boost its credibility, which will cause multiplied sales for your company. You can add how an appealing website can make your sales double or more increased .

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How to find graphic design dissertation topics.

To find graphic design dissertation topics:

  • Research recent design trends.
  • Analyze design challenges or innovations.
  • Explore cultural or social aspects.
  • Review design history and theory.
  • Consider cross-disciplinary ideas.
  • Select a topic that resonates with your passion and career aspirations.

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Here is a list of Research Topics on film and theatre studies and you can choose the one that suits your requirements.

Need interesting and manageable tourism and hospitality dissertation topics? Here are the trending tourism and hospitality dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

Feminist dissertation topics focus on the people who believe that women should have equal chances and rights as men. Feminism is a historical, social, and political movement founded by women to achieve gender equality and remove injustice.

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112 Graphic Design Dissertation Topics For Your Perfect Assignment

112 Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

Art students write about graphic design dissertation topics to showcase their impressive and creative thinking skills. As a graphic designer, your role is to plan and practice conveying messages with textual content. And this is the most effective and innovative method to connect with consumers in the current world.

Whether complex website page layouts or simple business logos, graphic design takes different forms. Other visual design examples include posters, magazine covers, and business cards. Writing a dissertation using intricate and unique graphic design topics is essential for learners that want to excel in their career in this sector. It’s also vital to research graphic design to impress potential employers.

This article lists 110-plus graphic design topics while describing the parts that a good dissertation in this field comprises.

Parts of a Good Graphic Design Dissertation

An excellent dissertation in this field comprises several parts that students should focus on when writing. Here’s a breakdown of the primary sections of a dissertation on this subject.

Introduction : A good dissertation about a graphic design topic has an opening that creates an excellent impression while encouraging the audience to read the rest of the paper. The intro should be brief to capture the audiences’ attention. Problem statement : This section highlights the research question and its background. It also tells the readers why the dissertation is essential. Objectives and aim of the paper : This section tells the readers why your topic matters. It explains the intent of your research and your desired outcomes for the project. Methodology : Here, you describe the methods you use to research the topic. Also, highlight the available techniques while comparing them to choose a viable option. For instance, you can include print media, software, and other platform media details for completing your dissertation. Literature review : This part comprises details of previous studies and the scholars behind them. It also has a theoretical framework for the dissertation, providing insights into your starting point, ideas, and concepts. Limitation : In this section, you highlight the scope, ideas, and limitations of your study. Also, you specify the objectives you attained from your research.

Writing a thesis about a graphic design topic requires relevant principles’ knowledge, and strong writing skills. If you are not interested in writing and don’t want to waste your time on a boring task from a professor, you can pay someone to do your assignment and enjoy the activities you love.

Top Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

Maybe you want to write a thesis paper about a top topic in this academic field. In that case, consider the following ideas.

  • The latest trends in graphic design
  • How to use PowerPoint in graphic design
  • Subliminal messages and advertisement
  • Visual design concepts in the 20th century
  • Digital art’s evolution over the years
  • How graphic design can help online service providers generate more sales
  • How multimedia design affects the world
  • Graphic design and repetition theory- How they affect consumers’ behavior
  • Graphic design and changes in online gaming
  • Color selection, graphic design, and human psychology- What’s the connection?
  • Application and relevance of design theories
  • How consumers perceive web designs
  • How web graphics create trust among visitors
  • Using negative spacing and graphic design to affect the consumers’ subconscious minds
  • Famous graphic designers of the century
  • How does TV influence graphic design
  • How computers affect graphic design
  • Using graphic design in computer game interfaces to draw more consumers
  • Balance as a graphic design basic- How does it create impressive visuals?
  • Online graphical design tools versus conventional designing programs
  • How visual heuristics assist in segmenting the attention of the viewers
  • Graphic design and political satire
  • How graphic design tools have revolutionized the industry

These are some of the top ideas to consider for a thesis topic in this subject. Nevertheless, research your chosen title extensively to write a comprehensive paper.

General Graphic Design Dissertation Ideas

Graphic design is a growing study field with many organizations establishing departments and offices for expert designers. Here are general ideas to explore when writing a thesis paper in graphic design.

  • Understanding graphic design
  • How graphic design influence communications
  • Qualifications of a professional graphic designer
  • Is graphic design a career or a passion?
  • Similarities between conventional photographers and graphic designers’ tools
  • The essence of colors in graphic design
  • Comparison between contemporary graphic design and photographic theory
  • Understanding the visual design principles
  • How graphic designers affect their field
  • Factors influencing graphic design
  • Developmental stages for graphic design
  • The influence of technology on graphic design
  • The graphic design’s role in social media
  • Changes in graphical design tools
  • Computer graphics’ evolution in the 20th century
  • Is traditional graphic design critical in the digital age?
  • The essence of computers in the visual design evolution
  • Media forms in graphic design
  • How print styles and typefaces influence the digital age
  • Graphic design and its role in web design and development

These are general topics to consider when writing a thesis in this field. Pick any idea from this list and investigate it thoroughly before writing.

Best Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

The internet has many ideas to explore when writing a dissertation in graphic design. Here are the best titles to consider for your paper.

  • Using color psychology to trigger emotions in graphic design
  • The impact of graphical design tools on the industry
  • Graphic design and newspaper adverts- How they influence the consumers’ buying behavior
  • Graphic design and its use in promoting movie festivals
  • Graphic design and its use in street art and social commentary
  • How logos and organization branding affect sales
  • Space and its use in design esthetics
  • Color theory and its impact on graphic design
  • Typeset techniques and principles as part of graphic design
  • Creating environmental awareness using graphic design
  • Graphic design software trends
  • Cultural expectations and graphic design
  • How visual imaging improves understanding
  • Media design and new graphics
  • Is desktop publishing dead?
  • Web animation and graphic design- How they have shaped the internet content
  • Newspaper ads evolution in the digital era
  • Personality role in arts
  • How experts use graphic design to create a set in the film industry
  • Restaurants and theme design
  • Graphic design and persuasion elements
  • Commercial design- How to facilitate feedback when dealing with customers
  • How visual hierarchy helps in creating customer e-commerce stores’ perception
  • Art directors as transformational heads
  • How graphic designs help in making directories
  • How graphic design has revolutionized modern cinema
  • Colorful classroom creation

These ideas can be the basis of a fantastic dissertation. Nevertheless, each of them requires adequate time to investigate and gather relevant information.

Exciting Graphic Design Research Topics

Maybe you want to write about an interesting topic in this field. In that case, writing about any of these ideas can be fun.

  • Unique 10-minute graphic design projects
  • How animation helps in creating beautiful postcards
  • How the design language can trigger brand retention in customers’ minds
  • Classic book cover re-interpretation
  • Results and effects of graphic design in the consumer markets
  • How graphic design helps in coloring kids’ books
  • Secondary research and its use in exploring web design features
  • Traits of a successful graphic designer
  • Graphic design and its relationship with the pop culture
  • How graphic design facilitates the creation of business cards
  • Literature review of the graphic novel
  • Graphic design trends over the last decade
  • Theory application in graphic design
  • How people perceive visual communication and design education
  • How artistic sensibility affects the graphic design
  • How banners facilitate message conveyance
  • Average budget analysis in graphic design projects
  • Is graphic design education important?
  • How appealing products affect consumer choices
  • Using graphic design to retarget ads and reach the target market efficiently
  • Graphic design theory application

These are fun topics to consider for a thesis in this field. Nevertheless, perform in-depth research to write a winning paper about these titles.

Senior Thesis Graphic Design Project Ideas

Maybe you need a graphic design title for your senior thesis. In that case, select any of these ideas for your paper.

  • How to use graphic design to boost e-commerce stores’ sales
  • How graphic design can help consumers recall your brand
  • How Apple uses graphic design to influence buying behavior
  • How marketing agencies use graphic design
  • Graphic design and commercial distinctiveness
  • How limited financial plans affect graphics
  • How graphic designers use psychological triggers to boost customer loyalty
  • How video filters boost sales and customer attention in graphic designs
  • How computer graphics evolved in the 20th century
  • Graphic design and its use by clothing brands
  • Why logos and visual design matter to businesses
  • Graphic design and its use in creating a plant identifying application
  • Gradient logo designs versus flat logo designs
  • Advertisement and computer graphics- How they alter consumer behavior
  • How contrast colors affect buying behavior
  • How graphic design and brochures help businesses to attract more sales
  • Developing a graphic design career
  • The impact of graphic design on product packaging
  • Vehicle wraps evolution and graphic design
  • Exploring different techniques that graphic designers use to convey messages
  • Graphical design application in advanced technology

These are some of the best ideas to explore when researching and writing about graphic design. While this may not be a comprehensive list, it has titles college and uni students can choose for their graduate and undergraduate papers.

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Maybe your teacher or professor wants you to write a high-quality paper on a graphic design topic, but you don’t think you can write a winning essay. Perhaps, you don’t have enough time to research and write a successful thesis. In that case, our experts can help you. Our professional team provides custom research, writing, editing, and proofreading services. Our team answers any student that needs help to score the top marks in all academic papers.

We’re ready to handle your assignment, whether you need assistance with an easy, advanced, or controversial paper. We offer quick online writing help to learners across educational levels. Our assignment help London will surely get you the best grades. Whether you’re pursuing a degree program or college education and your supervisor has asked you to write about graphic design, our ENL writers will help you. Start a chat conversation with us, saying, “Please do my dissertation.” Our customer support team will get back to you. Alternatively, please place an order for your dissertation by filling out our contact form.

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  • Published: 06 August 2019

Science–graphic art partnerships to increase research impact

  • Colin K. Khoury   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7893-5744 1 ,
  • Yael Kisel   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0789-5727 2 ,
  • Michael Kantar   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5542-0975 3 ,
  • Ellie Barber 4 ,
  • Vincent Ricciardi 5 , 6 ,
  • Carni Klirs 7 ,
  • Leah Kucera   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0772-4816 8 ,
  • Zia Mehrabi 5 , 6 ,
  • Nathanael Johnson 9 ,
  • Simone Klabin 10 ,
  • Álvaro Valiño   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0067-2715 11 ,
  • Kelsey Nowakowski 12 ,
  • Ignasi Bartomeus   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7893-4389 13 ,
  • Navin Ramankutty   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3737-5717 5 , 6 ,
  • Allison Miller   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2722-9361 14 , 15 ,
  • Meagan Schipanski 16 ,
  • Michael A. Gore   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6896-8024 17 &
  • Ari Novy 18  

Communications Biology volume  2 , Article number:  295 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

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Graphics are becoming increasingly important for scientists to effectively communicate their findings to broad audiences, but most researchers lack expertise in visual media. We suggest collaboration between scientists and graphic designers as a way forward and discuss the results of a pilot project to test this type of collaboration.

When we think of groundbreaking scientific advances, it is often in visual terms – the first depictions of the structure of DNA; Darwin’s sketches of the tree of life; even DaVinci’s Vetruvian Man . The power of these pictures to speak to people, especially those outside our specialized research communities, is worth far more than a thousand words.

Scientists’ need for visual art has never been greater. More sophisticated graphics are required to communicate the results of ever more complex and transdisciplinary research. Well-constructed graphics can widen the impact of research articles striving to be noticed in an ever-increasing flood of published work, and supplementary visuals, for instance graphical abstracts, are often now requested by journals, if not required 1 . Funders are also increasingly emphasizing the value of graphics in grant proposals 2 . Online, where viewers decide whether to engage with material within a matter of seconds 3 , compelling visuals are pivotal, especially as research organizations incorporate social media attention in their impact metrics.

While many researchers are rising to the challenge of communicating their work via social media and other formats beyond their traditional channels 4 , very few scientists have expertise in visual media communications, and even fewer in design tailored for online platforms. Learning the specialized skills needed to create graphics for the changing array of conventional and new science media is a very big ask.

But scientists do not need to go it alone. Collaborations between researchers, graphic designers, and other visual communications professionals offer great potential (Box 1 ).

Test project overview

Recently, we tested the efficacy of scientist–graphic artist collaborations by pairing six research laboratories involved in different aspects of biological and agricultural sciences with graphic designers and media content creators. The work of the eight participating scientists focused on complex, societally relevant subjects within biology, food, and agriculture, including pollinators and threats to biodiversity, modern plant breeding, agricultural development and land use change, phenomics and other new agricultural technologies, agricultural sustainability, and the origins and domestication processes of food plants.

The five participating artists were chosen for their track records as producers of attractive and interesting visual online media, either as graphic design professionals or as talented hobbyists. Some had research backgrounds while others had no science training. All of the scientists and graphic designers approached were enthusiastic about experimenting with this cross-disciplinary collaboration. The researchers and designers were paired based on the artists’ interests among the scientific topics, and the designers were compensated for their contributions. The scientist–artist pairs were asked to create infographics – in this case defined as visually arresting, quickly understandable, graphical representations of scientific research – based on the research laboratories’ current projects, within three months.

At the end of this time, the researchers and artists, supplemented by additional professionals and experts in graphic design and infographics, presented the collaborations and their resulting products to scientists, research organizations, and funders via an interactive communications seminar 5 at the “Science Transcending Boundaries” AAAS annual meeting in Washington D.C. in February 2019.

Iterative approach to collaboration

The collaborations typically began with conversations aimed at identifying the target audience . This was surprisingly challenging for a number of the researchers, who wanted to communicate to “the general public”. Because the artists knew that different audiences require different approaches, they challenged the scientists to be as specific as possible. The teams eventually arrived at much more refined audience targets, e.g. “English and Spanish speaking viewers already interested in biodiversity conservation” (Fig.  1 ).

figure 1

An explanation of why it’s important to protect the structure of plant-pollinator interaction networks. This graphic was designed with bright colors and a minimum of text so that it could be shared on social media. The biggest challenge was finding a way to concisely, yet clearly, explain a high-level abstract topic to biodiversity-interested but non-scientist audiences. The scientist–artist team tried many different approaches before settling on the combination of a news-related hook, a quick graphical summary, and the table metaphor. To reach intended audiences, the graphic was produced both in English and in Spanish. Design by Yael Kisel based on the research of Ignasi Bartomeus [Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC)]

These conversations fed the next step of co-creation, refining the messages of the infographics. In many cases the middle ground had to be found between the scientists’ conviction that the graphics accurately and comprehensively represented the data, and the artists’ emphasis on streamlining the messages to make them easier to understand. Each team had to determine how to distill the research into a communicable story without simplifying to the point that key context was lost. For some, the compromise was found by including data visualizations, to communicate specific information, as well as more abstract designs to relay broader concepts (Fig.  2 ). For others, presentation materials created by the scientists themselves were adapted and further developed into visual components (Supplementary Fig.  1 ).

figure 2

Two designs from the same infographic focused on the role of small farms in the global food system. a is a data visualization of specific data from the research representing the global geography of small farms. b is a representation of differences in farm size definitions, a concept that the artist thought was more effectively communicated through abstraction. Design by Ellie Barber based on the research of Vincent Ricciardi, Zia Mehrabi, and Navin Ramankutty (University of British Columbia). The full infographic is available in the Dryad Digital Repository

In every case, the process of refining the message and then creating the graphic was iterative , as the teams tried different arrangements of information in search of an effective story. Often the supporting, and even the main, messages changed as the work progressed and as the artists provided input on what they found easy to communicate and on what they thought would be relevant to the target audience. In some cases, the message refinement processes brought forward points that the scientists originally thought were too obvious to mention (Supplementary Fig.  2 ). Colleagues, friends, and family from both the scientists’ and artists’ worlds provided litmus tests for progress. By the end of the project, all of the teams were pleased with their products, which they thought were scientifically accurate, visually appealing, and effectively communicated. All of the infographics are available in the Dryad Digital Repository 6 .

A number of the participating researchers were surprised to find that the act of translating their work into an infographic pushed their science forward. They agonized over the challenge of distilling complex concepts into clear, focused, and accessible messages, but the process helped them to identify the central components of their work and to note areas that they had not studied sufficiently. The process also forced the researchers to reflect on, and then communicate, why they do what they do, as well as how their work impacts society.

Recommendations

As the presentation of science moves beyond the traditional static journal article 7 , there is every reason to think that graphic art will become ever more critical. As a result of our experience, we have developed a set of recommended actions for researchers and their institutions, for graphic art professionals, and for funders, to facilitate productive scientist–artist collaborations (Box  2 ).

Researchers and their institutions should recognize the value of science-graphic art collaborations in improving the communication of research and the accessibility of results relevant to society. The sooner designers are consulted during the research process the better−not only to facilitate the creation of visual media, but because these collaborations improve current and potential future research. Based on the complex research topics of the scientists involved in this project and their uniform response that their work and its communication benefited from these collaborations, we believe that scientists in most, if not all, research areas would similarly benefit. Research societies and journals can support scientist-artist collaborations through promotion and training opportunities.

During the presentation of our project at the AAAS conference, members of the audience asked more than once how they could find a skilled artist to work with. Some organizations contain dedicated arts/design/communications offices that can work with researchers to develop graphics to increase impact (e.g. 8 , 9 , 10 ). For scientists without this institutional support, the continued creation and expansion of networks (e.g. 11 ), organizations, and companies (e.g. 12 ) providing these services would be of tremendous value.

Finally, funders should look positively on broader impacts budgets in grant proposals that include resources for graphic design, and should explicitly name graphic design components as broader impacts work they will support. We believe that the relatively limited additional funding needed would provide substantial returns in impact.

Box 1 benefits, applications, and challenges of scientist-graphic artist collaborations

Better communication of scientific findings

Increased awareness of research by both experts and non-experts

Greater impact and reach of science

Applications

Infographics

Conference posters

Graphical abstracts

Journal article figures

Journal article covers

Magazine and newspaper graphics

Website, blogs, and social media graphics

Public art pieces and murals

Scientific, policy, outreach, and educational presentations

Videos and animations

Additional time required for collaboration with graphic artists

Additional project costs to support graphic artists

Box 2 recommendations for fostering scientist–graphic artist collaborations

Researchers and institutions

Promote science-graphic art collaborations by including, engaging, and supporting graphic artists in research projects - both for improved science communications and for the research benefits gained through the iterative collaborative process

Graphic art professionals

Create and expand networks, non-profit organizations, and companies that specialize in producing scientific graphics and/or help researchers to identify artist collaborators

Provide financial support for including graphic artists in funded projects.

Graphics have the potential to increase the attractiveness, understandability, and communication power of research findings. They can help science reach audiences that research literature never will. As such, they are a tremendous asset in a time when the increased politicization of complex scientific issues, such as the future of food and nutrition security, necessitates the communication of science to society in ways are accessible and engaging.

Scientist-artist collaborations can certainly improve traditional research visuals, such as journal figures, presentations, and posters. But applications aimed at reaching broader audiences – online, in print, and on the street – have the potential to do much more (Box 1 ).

As with any multidisciplinary work, such collaborations are not without cost – both in terms of the extra time needed for the iterative process to be productive, and the additional financial resources required to fairly compensate graphic professionals for their contributions. We found that the collaborations necessitated multiple rounds of idea generation and then further concept refinement, but the investment paid off in terms of powerfully communicated graphic art and scientists’ clearer conceptualizations of their own work. In our view, the benefits of scientist-artist collaborations far outweigh their costs – especially as scientific organizations, journals and other media, and funders continue to ask more of researchers with regard to graphics, broader impacts, and public outreach.

Data availability

All infographics produced in this project available from the Dryad Digital Repository: https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.7j5d5t0 6 .

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Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank the Leichtag Foundation for providing funding support for the artists involved in the science-graphic design collaborations.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Km 17, Recta Cali-Palmira, Apartado Aéreo 6713, 763537, Cali, Colombia

Colin K. Khoury

Independent Artist, San Jose, CA, USA

Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 3190 Malie Way, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA

Michael Kantar

Aspen Global Change Institute, 104 Midland Ave #205, Basalt, CO, 81621, USA

Ellie Barber

The Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, 429-2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

Vincent Ricciardi, Zia Mehrabi & Navin Ramankutty

School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, 251-1855 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada

World Resources Institute, 10G Street, NE Suite 800, Washington, D.C., 20002, USA

Carni Klirs

SERVIR Science Coordination Office, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, National Space Science & Technology Center, 320 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35805, USA

Leah Kucera

Grist, 1201 Western Ave., Suite 410, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA

Nathanael Johnson

Independent Author, New York, NY, USA

Simone Klabin

Independent Information Designer, A Coruña, Spain

Álvaro Valiño

Independent Information Designer, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA

Kelsey Nowakowski

Integrative Ecology Department, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, E-41092, Spain

Ignasi Bartomeus

St. Louis University, Department of Biology, 3507 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63103, USA

Allison Miller

Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 North Warson Road, St. Louis, MO, 63132, USA

Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1170, USA

Meagan Schipanski

Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA

Michael A. Gore

San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, USA

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

C.K.K., V.R., Z.M., I.B., N.R., A.M., M.S. and M.A.G. provided research material and inputs on the infographic co-creation. Y.K., E.B., L.K., Á.V. and K.N. interpreted the research and co-designed the infographics. N.J. contributed messaging and framing contributions to the scientist-artist collaborations. C.K.K., M.K. and A.N. identified, organized, and managed the scientist-artist collaborations. C.K.K., Y.K., M.K., E.B., V.R., C.K., S.K. and M.A.G. presented the scientist–artist collaborations and infographics at AAAS. C.K.K., Y.K., M.K., E.B., V.R., C.K., L.K., Z.M., N.J., S.K., Á.V., K.N., I.B., N.R., A.M., M.S., M.A.G. and A.N. contributed to writing the commentary.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Colin K. Khoury .

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Competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Khoury, C.K., Kisel, Y., Kantar, M. et al. Science–graphic art partnerships to increase research impact. Commun Biol 2 , 295 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-019-0516-1

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research topics in graphic design

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Home > Graphic Design > Graphic Design Masters Theses

Graphic Design

Graphic Design Masters Theses

RISD’s graduate program in Graphic Design prepares students for professional practice by emphasizing the roles of social context, media and aesthetics in the production of visible language systems. As a reflection of the discipline itself, the program encourages a nimble and intelligent response to constant change and burgeoning technology, while building a strong foundation of formal, aesthetic and analytical knowledge.

Individual thesis investigation is central to the final year of MFA study and culminates in the comprehensive presentation of work representing an original voice for visual and verbal expression of design thinking. The thesis should be equal parts exploration, explanation, provocation and contribution. Guest critics participate throughout the year and in the year-end thesis review, which offers a forum for critical dialogue focused on each student’s contribution to the field of graphic design. All MFA candidates also submit a written thesis and as a group participate in the RISD Graduate Thesis Exhibition , a large-scale public show held annually.

These works are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License .

Theses from 2024 2024

ASILI , Husna Abubakar

Graphic Desire , Michelle Belgrod

Never Real Historians , Emily Bluedorn

On the Impulse to Notate , Lydia Chodosh

This Is For You: A handbook for design students , Gabriel Drozdov

Soft Procedures , Alec Figuracion

Endless Form , Kaela Kennedy

Graphic Warmline , Soo Min Lee

Here—There , Glikeriya Shotanova

Variations on Noise , Clinton Van Arnam

Life of Things, Things of Life , Shiyue Wang

surface tension , Berett Wilber

Perform—Produce , Rebecca Wilkinson

Theses from 2023 2023

Making Then Meaning , Ben Denzer

Form Follows Feeling Follows Form , Harshal Duddalwar

Making time: Gentle invitations for radical slowness , Lian Fumerton-Liu

Superbland , Dougal Henken

Crossover Logics , Serena Ho

Connective Movements , Ian Keliher

Invisible Systems , Mina Kim

Press Play , Karan Kumar

Searching for New Landscapes , Halim Lee

Moving at the Speed of Trust , Sun Ho Lee

Access in Ambiguity , Moritz Lónyay

Infinitely Incredible Configurations , Jenni Oughton

Virtual Fantasy , Joey Petrillo

Surfacing: a (loose) manual on unlayering / stuff-making and hypervisibility , Zoë Pulley

OtherWorldly Gestures , Sadia Quddus

Input / Output , Zach Scheinfeld

Particular Proceedings , Ingrid Schmaedecke

Writ In Water , Jack Tufts

Theses from 2022 2022

Ports of entry , Forough Abadian

Capture, control, circulate : can we queer regulatory power in Graphic Design? , Adie Fein

Alien Encyclopedia , Zengqi Guo

Re-order the order of thing , Yingxi Sabrina Ji

Openness , Qiwen Ju

! , Nick Larson

Oral History Interview with Preston McClanahan, November 8, 2022 , Preston McClanahan, Holly Gaboriault, and RISD Archives

Connect: translating complexity through visual simplification , Ilhee Park

Other realms , Louis Rakovich

Slow ruptures; slow formations , Asta Thrastardottir

Theses from 2021 2021

Open articulations , Matthew Bejtlich

Paperwork , Romik Bose Mitra

Community, harana & karaoke: towards a theatrical design , Ryan Diaz

Personal positioning system , Laura Diez de Baldeon

Parentheses asterisk ellipses , Everett Epstein

Refiguring relations , Daphne Hsu

CTRL SHIFT , Kit Son Lee

Jettisoning the frame: strategies for designing at the threshold , Will Mianecki

Future as medium , Georgie Nolan

Elsewhere: impressions of sense & nonsense , Madeline Woods

The relativity of value , Lai Xu

Theses from 2020 2020

My millennial Asian fetishized American fantasy , Seyong Ahn

Temporal collisions , Lizzie Baur

Strata : lessons in latency , Mukul Chakravarthi

Re: Ornament , Aleks Dawson

A very large array , Hilary duPont

Oh wait, is this a loop? , Carl-Gustaf Ewerbring

Counter formation , Fabian Fohrer

Binge [Fantasy reality] , Elena Foraker

How to do things with things , Emily Guez

Skew-morphic dream , Yoonsu Kim

Ancient hyper present , Sophie Loloi

EthnoGraphemes , Vaishnavi Mahendran

U+16E99 , Bobby Joe Smith III

Something to see here , Weixi Zeng

Theses from 2019 2019

Record : from signal to atmosphere, and the spaces between silence and noise , Amy Auman

Plenty : wanting, choosing,, overwhelming unloading , Christopher Cote

Among : a series of enactments , Joel F. Kern

Let's meet over there / Eury Kim. , Eury Kim

Lateral movements : in multifaceted time and space , Jieun Kim

Making common , Elaine Lopez

Standards, rules, setting , Robert McConnell

Abjad orientations , Mohammed Nassem

Softweave , Annaka Olsen

Groundwork , Marcus Peabody

Body of work , Oliva de Salve Villedieu

Cosmosis , Angela Torchio

Re-creation : a package design for daily life , Wei-Hao Wang

Interface philosophy , June Yoon

Theses from 2018 2018

This is public work , Nick Adam

Haunt : casual surrealism , Cara Buzzell

Placefulness , Ellen Christensen

Anachropomorphism! , Carson Evans

Lingua Franca , Tatiana Gomez Gaggero

Field guide : collected studies of a symbiont , Jennifer Livermore

Tiny Diasporas , Angela Lorenzo

Reading rooms , Jinhwa Oh

Space, Junk , Brandon Olsen

Hyperlink : connecting space, time, language, and technology , Marie Otsuka

Constellations , Maria Rull Bescós

Squishy Play , Lauren Traugott-Campbell

Monument for feeling : Notes from the Archivist , Melissa Weiss

Theses from 2017 2017

Otra vez : hierarchy as designer , Jordyn Alvidrez

Double takes : secular magic & empathic vision , Lake Buckley

Playgrounds , Cem Eskinazi

Content-aware : investigating tools, character & user behavior , Llewellyn Hensley

Space as a practiced place , Elizabeth Leeper

Frame-work , Drew Litowitz

Scripting allographs , June Shin

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Selecting a Design Research Topic

research topics in graphic design

Selecting a topic to research can feel like a daunting task. One strength that’s consistent with great designers is their curiosity. Designers tend to have a wide range of interests that take them far afield when exploring the world. Oftentimes, designers are generalists—able to address contexts from many different points of view. Unfortunately, this also means that selecting a topic can be tough for designers because they often have many diverse interests. The world is so big and so curious… how could we ever choose just one part of it to study?

For experience-centered design approaches like experience, service, and interaction design, a research project should focus on the content the design approaches address. In other words, a design research project in experience design should:

  • involve human actors in some way
  • include the design of outcomes/an intervention
  • inspect the effects of interactions between human actors and design outcomes

When selecting topics for your research, be sure they are related to experience design.

Collecting Topics

List as many topics and topic groups as you can and continue to compile this list over months and years. Below each section of listed statements, write questions that address the content in each of these areas. If you can write a compelling and answerable question, then you have the start of a research topic. As you get closer to developing and producing your project, this list of topics will change and evolve over time. Like a photographer, the more topics you list (photographs you take), the more likely you’ll be to get a great topic.

Don’ts: How to Avoid Picking a “Bad” Topic

What to avoid when creating a design research project. Don’t select a topic…

  • That involves people you cannot access. You must involve these people in the research, and you cannot do that if they won’t with you.
  • That you think your instructor will like. Do something that matters to you.
  • That’s too big. You cannot save the world in one project.
  • That seems too small. There’s no such thing as too small. Every topic has tons of layers.
  • That is in a location you cannot access. Field research requires using a design and or visiting a place firsthand.
  • That can be answered with a simple yes or no.

Grouping Topics and Questions

Building a list of topics will produce a list of topical interests and specific questions sparked by your list. For example, exploring the domain “Attitudes and Mental Health” could produce the list below:

  • Self-esteem and encouraging self-worth
  • Stress management
  • Life goals and determination
  • Men’s resistance to counseling
  • Combatting Apathy

This list then can lead to questions like:

  • How can counseling and mentoring become more culturally acceptable for men to bring healthier mental states?
  • Are there ways we can educate stress management more effectively?
  • Can intrinsic motivation be imparted culturally?

Another example of a topic list that focuses on “Design Aesthetic and Function” could be summed as:

  • Value of grunge design in interaction design
  • How flat interaction design is hard to use
  • Color theory and usability
  • Out of place, attention-getting visuals

This list then could lead to questions like:

Design Aesthetic and Function Questions

  • How has a move to flat design on the web affected print design?
  • In what ways could grunge design increase the way people value physical versus screen-based media?
  • How does the hamburger menu in web design relate to other iconographic elements in the past?

Developing topics is an iterative process that’s best started early. Again, the longer you have to develop topics, the better the topics will be. Think of it as a sketchbook-type approach to developing research—the result being a range of topics that can fuel many research projects to come.

Start that list of topics now and visit it often. Begin by identifying things that interest you. List these topics in any way you see fit. Concept mapping , brainstorming, affinity mapping, and other means of generating ideas can be effective ways of driving this process. You’ll be glad you did when you’re looking for a research topic.

Make a big, wide list. Don’t limit yourself by thinking something is not worth researching. If you are interested in it, write it down!

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Miami University

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Fundamentals of graphic design—essential tools for effective visual science communication

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Graphic Design Paper Topics

Graphic design can be defined as the process by which images and text are combined for purposes of advertisement, storytelling and accentuating meaning. Images carry with them the ability to evoke emotion, influence and even manufacture consent within the political sphere. Even if one is not aware, individuals are inundated with purposeful creations facilitated by graphic designers daily. Reading signs, surfing the Internet, watching television, reading a book with graphic content and perusing a magazine in the waiting room of a doctor’s office all expose the beholder to graphic design. Understanding how graphic design can make meaning and influence is a study unto itself. From marketing gurus to political campaigns, the use of design is a major part of operations. Graphic design paper topics can range from individuals wanting to better understand design psychology to individuals who will actually themselves be designing. The topics are sufficiently robust to accommodate both of these positions and virtually everything in between.

The staff at PowerPapers.com are cognizant of how images and layouts are important in interdisciplinary pursuits. They are equally prepared to examine graphic design from the perspective of a specific interpretative lens as they are to explore specific attributes of color theory that would be most useful to future designers. From the theoretical to the specific articulation of industry standard graphic design computer programs, PowerPapers.com’s staff members can be reached by email for questions regarding potential paper topics or for placing an order from our secure server. PowerPapers.com are equipped to meet the graphic design paper topic needs of the individual student.

Interesting Graphic Design Topics for a Research Paper

Images have been used throughout human history to communicate messages, ideas and express various elements of emotion. Design has the profound ability to instantly attract or repel and individual from an idea or product through targeted suggestion. While art in an aesthetic capacity has been a human pursuit throughout recorded history, art as a political tool and art as a commercial force are newer adaptations. Modern graphic designers will find themselves in positions of web design, advertising layout, marketing teams, packaging creation, print design and a variety of other constructs that entail working for a client or reflecting the needs of a respective organization. Students with a firm grasp of graphic design will have to be able to separate their personal preferences and belief systems from those of their clients expectations in order to be successful.

Graphic design topics can be specific to graphic design majors and be focused more on application and production than theory. Equally as true, graphic design topics can be interdisciplinary and can focus on how graphic design is used in a variety of fields. When selecting a graphic design paper topic, students should be cognizant of their respective field of inquiry and focus on how design is impacting in that particular discipline. The following list has been crafted to illustrate potential interesting topics for graphic design research papers. The list can be used verbatim and custom papers can be crafted from this list to meet student needs or it can also be used as a tool to generate original ideas in which the student may wish to explore. 

  • Aesthetics and function
  • Graphic design trends in the 21st Century
  • Propaganda posters: Design and political messages
  • Subliminal messages in advertisement
  • A history of 20th century graphic design
  • Digital art evolution
  • Advertising and graphic design
  • Multimedia design and online gaming trends
  • Color selection and human psychological connections
  • Graphic design and album cover art
  • Judging a book by its cover: Graphic design and print publications
  • Political satire and design
  • Graphic design and modern architecture
  • Telling stories without words
  • Artists in times of war
  • The role of computers in the evolution of design
  • Color TV and its influence on graphic design
  • Influential graphic designers
  • Social media and graphic design
  • Street art and social commentary
  • Logos and organizational branding
  • Using text as images
  • The use of space in design aesthetics
  • Color theory
  • Design and modern cinema
  • Art in the classroom
  • Visual communications
  • Websites and organizational branding
  • Typeset: Techniques and principles
  • Art directors: Transformational leadership
  • Commercial Design: Dealing with clients and facilitating pro-active feedback
  • Graphic design and elements of persuasion
  • Graphic design and set creation in Broadway productions
  • Web animation
  • The role of personality in design
  • The decline of desktop publishing
  • The new media and graphic design
  • Culture and design expectations
  • Common software used for graphic design: Current and future trends
  • Enhancing meaning through visual imaging
  • Graphic design and environmental sustainability

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The Significance of Design Research in Graphic Designing

Research in graphic design gives you the answers to critical questions like what characteristics should a logo, web page, poster, etc. have? 

When we say design research, we don’t mean scientific experiments and analysis. We simply mean gaining a more nuanced understanding of:

  • The people, business, or brand you are designing for
  • The basic questions that come up during the design process. 

At the end of the research, you may not have hard facts in your hand, such as which colour to use or not. But you will have feasible ideas and concepts upon which you can build to make effective and stunning designs. 

This brings us to the question of what is design research. We unpack what it means in this blog. We also talk about the benefits of research in graphic designing and the golden rules you should follow. 

What is Research in Graphic Design?

Research is critical in any area of design, from logos to posters. It is about collecting data through interviews with clients, user feedback, domain research and more. It guides the creation of the design by helping you understand what makes people tick. 

It lends you a frame of reference using which you can shape an idea into something people will want to see. At the very heart of it, design research is learning about people’s behaviour. 

Let’s say you are designing a website. With research, you find out who will visit the site and what sort of design elements will appeal to them the most. 

Why must a graphic designer do research?

There are several reasons why every good graphic design course emphasizes on research:

  • It helps you fully understand the problem.
  • It helps you create a design with confidence. 
  • What do you need to design?
  • Why do you need to make it?
  • How will it be used?

Essentially, research arms a graphic designer with knowledge, making it easier to create something that the client will love. 

Assume you are asked to make a UI. Without research, the chances of the UI design being rejected are high. Why? Because you don’t have enough information on what will appeal to the client. 

On the other hand, if you research well, you’ll design a UI that will work in the real world and be liked by people. This increases the chances of the client accepting your design. 

But can’t a graphic designer rely on the information the client provided? No. You need to ask questions, dig deeper to understand the industry, the company, the product or service. 

A graphic designer can never have too much information. This is particularly important when designing for an industry, product or service you are not aware of. 

What are the benefits of research in graphic design?

Design research is a mix of aesthetics, user feedback, technology, and the client’s goals. But the most effective graphic designs are user-centric.

A user-centric approach to graphic design means you keep the people who will see the design as the most important factor. How do you do that? By gathering feedback from users. 

You can conduct interviews with the target audience to determine what resonates with them and what parts of the design they do not like. You can even talk to the brand, client or business to find out what they want to communicate with the design. 

In simpler words, the biggest benefit of design research is unearthing crucial information on what users want and what the brand hopes to accomplish . 

A very simple example of research in design is creating mood boards. You can create a mood board for colour, iconography, typography and more. You can then show them to others to test what rings a bell with the client and aligns with their goals. Using the feedback, you can then refine your design. 

It helps you uncover actionable insights.

Graphic design is complex. There are too many aspects that go into designing something even as simple as a logo. 

That’s the second benefit of research in graphic designing.  It helps you identify the client’s tastes and preferences before you make a heavy investment into the design. 

For instance, you are asked to make a web page for a cosmetic company. How do you pin down what type of layout they will like? Or if they like bold colours and vibrant images instead of subtle colour and simple photos?

Adding to the confusion is the fact that the same thing may have different meanings for people. What appears “cool” to you may seem “not sophisticated enough” to the cosmetic company.

Design research helps you remove mix-ups like these. You get clear cut insights that allow you to take action. 

What are the 5 golden rules of design research?

As the best graphic design institute in Kolkata and our experience with innumerable graphic designers says there are 5 thumb rules in design research.

Art not science

Design research is not a science experiment that will give you numbers. It is more an art. What you should be looking for is what emotions does the design evoke , does it resonate with people, or does it intrigue their sensibilities? 

Perception over preference

Don’t focus your research on what type of design people prefer. Instead of asking if this design will sway a person to buy a product, ask what it communicates to them or how they perceive it.

Brand comes first

Graphic designers often confuse research with asking people to explain what they like in their design. That should not be the focal point. It should be the brand. First, ask people what they love about the product or service. Then ask them if the design communicates the same or not. 

Factor in familiarity

People do not like change. So, they tend to like what is familiar to them. If you design something disruptive, ground-breaking or new, keep in mind that most people may not like it at first glance . 

Don’t ask for advice

You are the graphic designer, not the consumer. So, never ask them for advice on how to improve the logo, webpage, poster or more. Simply pay attention to how they react to the design and not their so-called expertise.

What should graphic designer research? 

Now that you are clear on what design research is, how it benefits you and what rules you must follow, we give you the five key areas where you should begin your research. 

Since graphic design research can be a broad area, we use logo designing as an example. But you can use the process for design research for any other field.

Step 1: why do they need a logo?

This should always be the first step – finding out why the brand or company needs the design. In the case of a logo, it can be because they are a new brand or they may be redesigning.

For a new company, your research should move on to step two. But if it is a redesign, dig deeper.

  • Is the company redesigning because their original logo was created in a hurry (and cheaply) when they started?
  • Are they creating a new product, and that is why they need a new logo?
  • Are they merging with another company (like in the case of Vodafone and Idea) and require a different logo?

You have to understand the reasons for the change in the logo . Only then will you be able to decide on whether you need to start from scratch or to evolve the current version. 

Step 2: what is the brand about?

It sounds like common sense, but plenty of graphic designers skip this step. Please don’t. You need to know what the brand or company does . Also, discover:

  • The history of the firm
  • What products do they have?
  • What problem does the product solve?
  • What are the values of the brand?
  • What message does the company want to communicate?

The answers to all this should impact the design of the logo. 

Step 3: Who is the audience?

How do you design an attractive logo? By knowing the target audience . No matter how striking your logo is, it will not be effective if the intended audience is kids, and you designed it for adults. 

One way to research the target audience is to ask the client. If they don’t know who they want to target, ask them to describe their ideal customer. This would include:

  • What is their gender?
  • What is their age?
  • Where are they located?
  • What is their lifestyle?
  • How much do they earn?

Knowing these demographics will help you understand their pain points and what they want from a brand. Use it to design the logo. 

Step 4: What is the company’s long-term vision?

A logo lasts for decades and decades. It should remain relevant even 45 (or more) years later. That’s why it is pivotal to know where the company sees itself in the long term. 

Say you’re designing the logo for a sports shoe company. But 10 years down the line, they hope to expand to apparel and sports equipment. You’ll need to consider this when creating the logo. 

How do you research the long-term goals of the brand? You ask the client. Question them about their future plans. Based on the answer, design the logo. 

Step 5: Who is their competitor?

The last thing a graphic designer should research is the competition. It will assist you in:

  • Identifying the intended audience
  • Discovering what not to use in the logo.

But more importantly, it will prevent you from making a grave mistake – unknowingly creating a logo that looks like a competitor’s . While it is tempting to copy well-known logos, it is never effective. You want the design to stand out and be memorable.  

How do you research competitors of the brand? One, you ask the client to give you a list. Two, do your own search on Google. Look at companies that sell the same service or product and companies that sell something similar. 

Where to start learning research in graphic design?

The value of research is undeniable in every field. It gives you indispensable information. That knowledge guides you to better practice. But more than that, research can nurture innovation along with creative aptitude. 

The belief that graphic design is only art and needs no research is, therefore, inaccurate. It doesn’t stifle creativity; neither does it scare you from designing something revolutionary. Rather it allows you to explore deeper and further.

It removes the guesswork from your design. It takes care of any miscommunication between the graphic designer and the rest of the team. In short, research is a powerful tool in graphic design. 

Use it, and you become a better graphic designer because you now have knowledge of audiences and competitors. Besides, it can help you discover the latest trends in graphic design . 

That leaves you with just one question – where do you learn design research? You join a graphic design course that pays particular attention to research and concept building. Any of the best graphic design institutes near you would be a great place to start!

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  • What Is a Research Design | Types, Guide & Examples

What Is a Research Design | Types, Guide & Examples

Published on June 7, 2021 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023 by Pritha Bhandari.

A research design is a strategy for answering your   research question  using empirical data. Creating a research design means making decisions about:

  • Your overall research objectives and approach
  • Whether you’ll rely on primary research or secondary research
  • Your sampling methods or criteria for selecting subjects
  • Your data collection methods
  • The procedures you’ll follow to collect data
  • Your data analysis methods

A well-planned research design helps ensure that your methods match your research objectives and that you use the right kind of analysis for your data.

Table of contents

Step 1: consider your aims and approach, step 2: choose a type of research design, step 3: identify your population and sampling method, step 4: choose your data collection methods, step 5: plan your data collection procedures, step 6: decide on your data analysis strategies, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research design.

  • Introduction

Before you can start designing your research, you should already have a clear idea of the research question you want to investigate.

There are many different ways you could go about answering this question. Your research design choices should be driven by your aims and priorities—start by thinking carefully about what you want to achieve.

The first choice you need to make is whether you’ll take a qualitative or quantitative approach.

Qualitative approach Quantitative approach
and describe frequencies, averages, and correlations about relationships between variables

Qualitative research designs tend to be more flexible and inductive , allowing you to adjust your approach based on what you find throughout the research process.

Quantitative research designs tend to be more fixed and deductive , with variables and hypotheses clearly defined in advance of data collection.

It’s also possible to use a mixed-methods design that integrates aspects of both approaches. By combining qualitative and quantitative insights, you can gain a more complete picture of the problem you’re studying and strengthen the credibility of your conclusions.

Practical and ethical considerations when designing research

As well as scientific considerations, you need to think practically when designing your research. If your research involves people or animals, you also need to consider research ethics .

  • How much time do you have to collect data and write up the research?
  • Will you be able to gain access to the data you need (e.g., by travelling to a specific location or contacting specific people)?
  • Do you have the necessary research skills (e.g., statistical analysis or interview techniques)?
  • Will you need ethical approval ?

At each stage of the research design process, make sure that your choices are practically feasible.

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Within both qualitative and quantitative approaches, there are several types of research design to choose from. Each type provides a framework for the overall shape of your research.

Types of quantitative research designs

Quantitative designs can be split into four main types.

  • Experimental and   quasi-experimental designs allow you to test cause-and-effect relationships
  • Descriptive and correlational designs allow you to measure variables and describe relationships between them.
Type of design Purpose and characteristics
Experimental relationships effect on a
Quasi-experimental )
Correlational
Descriptive

With descriptive and correlational designs, you can get a clear picture of characteristics, trends and relationships as they exist in the real world. However, you can’t draw conclusions about cause and effect (because correlation doesn’t imply causation ).

Experiments are the strongest way to test cause-and-effect relationships without the risk of other variables influencing the results. However, their controlled conditions may not always reflect how things work in the real world. They’re often also more difficult and expensive to implement.

Types of qualitative research designs

Qualitative designs are less strictly defined. This approach is about gaining a rich, detailed understanding of a specific context or phenomenon, and you can often be more creative and flexible in designing your research.

The table below shows some common types of qualitative design. They often have similar approaches in terms of data collection, but focus on different aspects when analyzing the data.

Type of design Purpose and characteristics
Grounded theory
Phenomenology

Your research design should clearly define who or what your research will focus on, and how you’ll go about choosing your participants or subjects.

In research, a population is the entire group that you want to draw conclusions about, while a sample is the smaller group of individuals you’ll actually collect data from.

Defining the population

A population can be made up of anything you want to study—plants, animals, organizations, texts, countries, etc. In the social sciences, it most often refers to a group of people.

For example, will you focus on people from a specific demographic, region or background? Are you interested in people with a certain job or medical condition, or users of a particular product?

The more precisely you define your population, the easier it will be to gather a representative sample.

  • Sampling methods

Even with a narrowly defined population, it’s rarely possible to collect data from every individual. Instead, you’ll collect data from a sample.

To select a sample, there are two main approaches: probability sampling and non-probability sampling . The sampling method you use affects how confidently you can generalize your results to the population as a whole.

Probability sampling Non-probability sampling

Probability sampling is the most statistically valid option, but it’s often difficult to achieve unless you’re dealing with a very small and accessible population.

For practical reasons, many studies use non-probability sampling, but it’s important to be aware of the limitations and carefully consider potential biases. You should always make an effort to gather a sample that’s as representative as possible of the population.

Case selection in qualitative research

In some types of qualitative designs, sampling may not be relevant.

For example, in an ethnography or a case study , your aim is to deeply understand a specific context, not to generalize to a population. Instead of sampling, you may simply aim to collect as much data as possible about the context you are studying.

In these types of design, you still have to carefully consider your choice of case or community. You should have a clear rationale for why this particular case is suitable for answering your research question .

For example, you might choose a case study that reveals an unusual or neglected aspect of your research problem, or you might choose several very similar or very different cases in order to compare them.

Data collection methods are ways of directly measuring variables and gathering information. They allow you to gain first-hand knowledge and original insights into your research problem.

You can choose just one data collection method, or use several methods in the same study.

Survey methods

Surveys allow you to collect data about opinions, behaviors, experiences, and characteristics by asking people directly. There are two main survey methods to choose from: questionnaires and interviews .

Questionnaires Interviews
)

Observation methods

Observational studies allow you to collect data unobtrusively, observing characteristics, behaviors or social interactions without relying on self-reporting.

Observations may be conducted in real time, taking notes as you observe, or you might make audiovisual recordings for later analysis. They can be qualitative or quantitative.

Quantitative observation

Other methods of data collection

There are many other ways you might collect data depending on your field and topic.

Field Examples of data collection methods
Media & communication Collecting a sample of texts (e.g., speeches, articles, or social media posts) for data on cultural norms and narratives
Psychology Using technologies like neuroimaging, eye-tracking, or computer-based tasks to collect data on things like attention, emotional response, or reaction time
Education Using tests or assignments to collect data on knowledge and skills
Physical sciences Using scientific instruments to collect data on things like weight, blood pressure, or chemical composition

If you’re not sure which methods will work best for your research design, try reading some papers in your field to see what kinds of data collection methods they used.

Secondary data

If you don’t have the time or resources to collect data from the population you’re interested in, you can also choose to use secondary data that other researchers already collected—for example, datasets from government surveys or previous studies on your topic.

With this raw data, you can do your own analysis to answer new research questions that weren’t addressed by the original study.

Using secondary data can expand the scope of your research, as you may be able to access much larger and more varied samples than you could collect yourself.

However, it also means you don’t have any control over which variables to measure or how to measure them, so the conclusions you can draw may be limited.

As well as deciding on your methods, you need to plan exactly how you’ll use these methods to collect data that’s consistent, accurate, and unbiased.

Planning systematic procedures is especially important in quantitative research, where you need to precisely define your variables and ensure your measurements are high in reliability and validity.

Operationalization

Some variables, like height or age, are easily measured. But often you’ll be dealing with more abstract concepts, like satisfaction, anxiety, or competence. Operationalization means turning these fuzzy ideas into measurable indicators.

If you’re using observations , which events or actions will you count?

If you’re using surveys , which questions will you ask and what range of responses will be offered?

You may also choose to use or adapt existing materials designed to measure the concept you’re interested in—for example, questionnaires or inventories whose reliability and validity has already been established.

Reliability and validity

Reliability means your results can be consistently reproduced, while validity means that you’re actually measuring the concept you’re interested in.

Reliability Validity
) )

For valid and reliable results, your measurement materials should be thoroughly researched and carefully designed. Plan your procedures to make sure you carry out the same steps in the same way for each participant.

If you’re developing a new questionnaire or other instrument to measure a specific concept, running a pilot study allows you to check its validity and reliability in advance.

Sampling procedures

As well as choosing an appropriate sampling method , you need a concrete plan for how you’ll actually contact and recruit your selected sample.

That means making decisions about things like:

  • How many participants do you need for an adequate sample size?
  • What inclusion and exclusion criteria will you use to identify eligible participants?
  • How will you contact your sample—by mail, online, by phone, or in person?

If you’re using a probability sampling method , it’s important that everyone who is randomly selected actually participates in the study. How will you ensure a high response rate?

If you’re using a non-probability method , how will you avoid research bias and ensure a representative sample?

Data management

It’s also important to create a data management plan for organizing and storing your data.

Will you need to transcribe interviews or perform data entry for observations? You should anonymize and safeguard any sensitive data, and make sure it’s backed up regularly.

Keeping your data well-organized will save time when it comes to analyzing it. It can also help other researchers validate and add to your findings (high replicability ).

On its own, raw data can’t answer your research question. The last step of designing your research is planning how you’ll analyze the data.

Quantitative data analysis

In quantitative research, you’ll most likely use some form of statistical analysis . With statistics, you can summarize your sample data, make estimates, and test hypotheses.

Using descriptive statistics , you can summarize your sample data in terms of:

  • The distribution of the data (e.g., the frequency of each score on a test)
  • The central tendency of the data (e.g., the mean to describe the average score)
  • The variability of the data (e.g., the standard deviation to describe how spread out the scores are)

The specific calculations you can do depend on the level of measurement of your variables.

Using inferential statistics , you can:

  • Make estimates about the population based on your sample data.
  • Test hypotheses about a relationship between variables.

Regression and correlation tests look for associations between two or more variables, while comparison tests (such as t tests and ANOVAs ) look for differences in the outcomes of different groups.

Your choice of statistical test depends on various aspects of your research design, including the types of variables you’re dealing with and the distribution of your data.

Qualitative data analysis

In qualitative research, your data will usually be very dense with information and ideas. Instead of summing it up in numbers, you’ll need to comb through the data in detail, interpret its meanings, identify patterns, and extract the parts that are most relevant to your research question.

Two of the most common approaches to doing this are thematic analysis and discourse analysis .

Approach Characteristics
Thematic analysis
Discourse analysis

There are many other ways of analyzing qualitative data depending on the aims of your research. To get a sense of potential approaches, try reading some qualitative research papers in your field.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • Simple random sampling
  • Stratified sampling
  • Cluster sampling
  • Likert scales
  • Reproducibility

 Statistics

  • Null hypothesis
  • Statistical power
  • Probability distribution
  • Effect size
  • Poisson distribution

Research bias

  • Optimism bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Implicit bias
  • Hawthorne effect
  • Anchoring bias
  • Explicit bias

A research design is a strategy for answering your   research question . It defines your overall approach and determines how you will collect and analyze data.

A well-planned research design helps ensure that your methods match your research aims, that you collect high-quality data, and that you use the right kind of analysis to answer your questions, utilizing credible sources . This allows you to draw valid , trustworthy conclusions.

Quantitative research designs can be divided into two main categories:

  • Correlational and descriptive designs are used to investigate characteristics, averages, trends, and associations between variables.
  • Experimental and quasi-experimental designs are used to test causal relationships .

Qualitative research designs tend to be more flexible. Common types of qualitative design include case study , ethnography , and grounded theory designs.

The priorities of a research design can vary depending on the field, but you usually have to specify:

  • Your research questions and/or hypotheses
  • Your overall approach (e.g., qualitative or quantitative )
  • The type of design you’re using (e.g., a survey , experiment , or case study )
  • Your data collection methods (e.g., questionnaires , observations)
  • Your data collection procedures (e.g., operationalization , timing and data management)
  • Your data analysis methods (e.g., statistical tests  or thematic analysis )

A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population . Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research. For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students.

In statistics, sampling allows you to test a hypothesis about the characteristics of a population.

Operationalization means turning abstract conceptual ideas into measurable observations.

For example, the concept of social anxiety isn’t directly observable, but it can be operationally defined in terms of self-rating scores, behavioral avoidance of crowded places, or physical anxiety symptoms in social situations.

Before collecting data , it’s important to consider how you will operationalize the variables that you want to measure.

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.

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  • Sep 13, 2022

A road map to scientific illustrations: 6 step graphic design process

research topics in graphic design

As a scientist we love a good method — a step-by-step process we can follow. It is ordered and logical and familiar.

But what do you do when there is no method to follow? Like when someone says “be creative”… Cue FREAK OUT!!

Well, you have come to the right place! Let’s talk about visual communication and the process of graphic design.

Here is your method to being creative and designing stunning scientific illustrations. 😉

Visual Communication

Here at Animate Your Science we are all about science communication , and advocate for scientists to tell a story . 📖

We have strategies to make complex scientific concepts easy to read , 🦠 and tips on how to give an elevator pitch , 🎤 we even go through 7 tips to boost your manuscript’s impact . 🚀

But often researchers forget that visual communication is a crucial part of the story !

That graphic design is an important and often overlooked piece of the puzzle. We can use scientific illustrations to convey key messages and keep your target audience engaged.

After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. 😉

So, what is a Design Process?

A design process is a methodical approach which breaks down a large design project into manageable and logical steps.

Design might sound scary!

But graphic design actually involves a lot of critical thinking and problem-solving, much like science.

In reality, most graphic designers have a design process they follow, a set of logical steps to get a design to move from an idea... to a beautiful graphic!

Sound familiar, a bit like a scientific method or protocol.

Hello researchers! 👋 Now we know you are listening, after all this is our forte. 😉

Here we are going to uncover 6 key design steps for researchers . Want to learn how to bring your idea to life and create stunning scientific illustrations? Then read on.👇

Let’s be methodical about creating!!

Step 1: The Idea

This step may seem obvious! However, it is arguably one of the most important steps. Without an idea, we have NOTHING!

Here we want to refine the concept details to keep you on track. We want to keep the end goal in mind, for instance the end goal of a scientific method might be to extract RNA. The end goal here is to produce an eye-catching scientific graphic that conveys your main message and targets your key demographic.

Don’t rush this step, as it will set the tone for the entire project.

To iron out the details, use the following questions to guide you.

What are you creating? What is the scope of the design? Are you creating a single scientific icon or an entire poster? Or maybe a manuscript figure or a detailed infographic?

What is your key message? What is your main point? What is the graphic trying to convey to the reader? This could be a very specific or a very broad message. For instance, a methodology graphic would have a distinctly different key message than a summary figure.

Who is your target audience? Who is your graphic aimed at? Researchers, general public, stakeholders, children? Your target audience will affect the design style, degree of jargon and overall approach. For example, an infographic for young children will have a different level of detail to a figure for a manuscript.

What is the timeline for the project? Do you have any strict deadlines for this project? A conference deadline looming, a manuscript revision date, or a presentation at the next lab meeting? Having a clear idea of your timeline will help you plan your time effectively.

Now that we have the concept outlined, we move to a researcher’s favourite part… RESEARCH! 🎉🎉

Step 2: Research

Now for some fun!! Let’s research 🙌🏼

The point of the research stage is to gather inspiration, and sample graphics . Technically, nothing is original, everything man-made is inspired by something. So go get inspired!! 🤩

As the saying goes, “ Steal like an artist”. 🧑‍🎨

Not sure where to start? We have outlined below some ideas of what to look for:

Scientific Research This part you could do in your sleep. 😴 If the topic is unfamiliar, you may have to conduct some scientific research, to ensure you have a good understanding of the topic first. Most likely though you will be creating a graphic for your own research, which you are already an expert in, 😉 in which case you can skip this bit.

Examples of similar work Search for graphics, illustrations or figures or similar work. This will help you identify what you like and don’t like and will aid in forming your vision for the final product.

Scientific Schematics Check out some scientific illustrations . The large variety of graphical representations will inform the level of detail and stylistic choice.

Audience-specific content Have a look at the types of graphics your audience is engaging with. This will help you decide on the type of illustration to best target your audience.

Graphical details This one is not its own dedicated search, but rather a combination with the above. When you are gathering your examples, take note of what colour schemes stand out, which styles you are drawn to, the typography you like, or if you prefer no text?

There is no wrong way to research. Save anything and everything that captures your eye. Once you have a range of sample images, arrange them and label them, so you can quickly and easily refer to them down the track.

In the design world, this step is known as “ Mood boarding ” and it inspires the visual direction of the graphic.

research topics in graphic design

Moodboard Example

Step 3: The Style & Look

Now that you have created your Mood board you will probably already have a rough idea of the style and look you are going for, now it’s time to really nail down these aspects.

Always remember to keep your concept at the forefront of your mind.

There are a multitude of styles to choose from when you are designing a graphic; Abstract, Minimalist, Conceptual, Flat, Playful, Geometric, Organic, Photorealism the list goes on. Whilst these terms probably don’t mean much to the average academic, the idea is to select a style that will engage your audience, whilst delivering your key message .

Once you have selected your style, ensure you stick with it and be consistent, or you will end up with a graphic that looks like a patchwork of styles.

Here are some different design style examples of a Bluebird, to help you understand the importance of choosing the right style.

research topics in graphic design

I mean c’mon how cute is the cartoon bluebird 😍 perfect for a presentation for preschoolers.

When considering the style aesthetic of your design, you should also consider how detailed and accurate the final product should be. Striking the perfect balance between accuracy and aesthetics is a fine art!

This is a good example of how to balance the two together. 🤩

research topics in graphic design

As always your concept outline will help guide this balance. For instance, a scientific graphic for children can teeter more towards aesthetics, as their attention span is shorter, and they won't comprehend the scientific details, in fact it may cause confusion and disengagement.

On the other hand, a graphic for experts in your field can slide towards accuracy to convey the details and get the key point across.

Colour scheme

When considering style and accuracy, you should also consider the colours used. For example, a blue bird coloured red wouldn’t convey the same information, as if it were coloured blue.

We always recommend picking a consistent colour scheme for your designs . 🎨 By limiting the number of colours in an illustration to 3 or 5, it gives a professional, cohesive feeling. However, sometimes this is not always possible without losing accuracy.

Not familiar with colour schemes ? Check out our detailed blog which covers this very topic.

research topics in graphic design

Disclaimer: Some companies and institutes have branding guidelines that you may need to adhere to, which can include colour palettes, logos and stylistic outlines.

Typography is just a fancy way to say that the text is arranged in a legible and visually appealing way.

This can include the typeface, font colour, font size, spacing and arrangement. Scientific figures often have unnecessary text, at the expense of negative space and aesthetics.

Less is more.

Ask yourself, is it necessary? Can I phrase this more succinctly? We want to avoid cluttering the design with text.

With that in mind, we also recommend sticking to just two fonts, a title font and a body text font. You can use bold and italics to provide different variations for subtitles and emphasis if needed.

Copyright licensing

Alright, let’s quickly touch on the boring stuff. 🙄

Now I mentioned in Step 2, to steal like an artist, but I didn’t mean literally. Copyright licensing is an important aspect of design. You can use anything for inspiration, however there are only some images that you can reuse, modify or adapt.

Let’s talk Creative Commons (CC) licenses , these are similar to Open Access licensing for papers! Depending on where you are using your creation's they may be subject to different copyright.

Check out the table below for all the deets!

research topics in graphic design

Creative Commons licenses by Foter ( CC-BY-SA )

Step 4: Mock Up

Now you finally get to start seeing your design come together. 👏🏼

Depending on the software you are using to design your graphic, there may be some limitations to the complexity of the design. So keep this in mind during the previous steps.

Our favourite design platforms are Canva and Adobe Illustrator .

If you want to design your own graphic from scratch with complete freedom, we recommend Adobe Illustrator. ✍🏼 Don’t have access? Try a free trial now .

research topics in graphic design

Not sure how to transition to free form illustrations? Check out our blogs on How to draw in Illustrator and How to draw your research . 🎉

If you are not quite up to the challenge, try Canva instead.

Canva has a range of free stock images, called “Elements” inbuilt into the software that you can just drag and drop into the workspace. You can even change the colour of the images, just not the style.

The purpose of this step is to “sketch” out your design, like a first pass of a research paper. The idea is to just put pen to paper and get something down, you can refine from there.

Step 5: Experiment

Okay, maybe THIS is a scientist’s favourite part… 👩🏻‍🔬 EXPERIMENTING 🥼🧪🔬

No safety glasses needed for this step though! 😉

Now that you have your mock-up, start to build up your design. 🎨 Add colour, add depth, a background, or shadowing. Experiment with different ways to visualise your data . 📊 Want to get fancy? Turn your illustrations into 3D . 🤯 Have a play around with the layout. Why not try out the rule of thirds?

The rule of thirds is a composition strategy that places your subject in either the left or right third, leaving the other two thirds of the image more open.

research topics in graphic design

You want your design to strike a balance of unique, memorable and engaging. Oh, and aesthetically pleasing, that’s just a no-brainer. 🙃

So keep experimenting until it looks right to you!

Step 6: Feedback & Polish

Last but not least, make sure to look over your design with objective eyes as if you are the target audience. What do you see? What would you change? Is the message clear? Is the graphic appropriate for your audience?

It is always a good idea to get a second pair of eyes to look over your work too if you can. Sometimes they will catch things you have missed. 👀

And then tweak, polish and revel in your beautiful design. 😇

With just 6 easy steps you too can transform an idea into a beautiful scientific graphic.

The Idea - Outline your concept including design scope, key message, target audience and timeline.

Research - Use those scientific research skills, and find some inspo for your design.

The Style and Look - Decide on the style, colour scheme and look of your graphic. 🎨

Mock up - Create your first pass at the design! ✍🏼

Experiment - Play around with background, layout, and fonts.

Feedback and Polish - Incorporate any feedback and finish your design. 🙌🏼

Strapped for time?

You’ve got us at the ays team..

We completely understand that designing your own scientific graphic can be a huge time commitment, especially for busy researchers. We’ve been there and totally sympathise.

So leave the hard work to us! We have professional graphic designers who can create the perfect scientific illustration for you. 😍

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you unleash your impact!

Until next time!

research topics in graphic design

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research topics in graphic design

Explore 25+ Graphic Design Dissertation Topics for 2023!

Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

Crafting a graphic design dissertation can be a challenging endeavor due to the limited array of available topics. Selecting the right topic is a crucial decision that demands careful consideration. Failing to choose wisely among the graphic design dissertation topics could result in a paper that falls short of your professor’s expectations.

The process of topic selection necessitates thorough brainstorming and contemplation. Therefore, before finalizing your choice, it’s advisable to follow a systematic approach. The upcoming section will provide you with guidance on selecting the optimal topic.

How to Opt for the Perfect Graphic Design Dissertation Topic for Your Research?

Choosing a topic at random from the available options is far from ideal. It lacks the logical framework required to present your ideas coherently, often leading to a lack of in-depth knowledge. To navigate this process effectively, follow the steps outlined below, or consider seeking online dissertation assistance to avoid any roadblocks.

Delve Deep into the Realm of Graphic Design

The initial step toward crafting a compelling graphic design dissertation involves immersing yourself in various aspects of the field. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the diverse domains within graphic design is essential for selecting a standout topic.

Identify Your Passion

As previously mentioned, the realm of graphic design encompasses various domains. To compose an exceptional dissertation, it’s crucial to align with your passions and interests. Without genuine enthusiasm for the subject, selecting the best graphic design dissertation topics becomes challenging.

Evaluate the Availability of Information

Once you’ve identified your preferences, it’s essential to determine whether the chosen topic has ample information available. In cases where information is limited, consider if you can independently write with the available resources. Pose such questions to yourself to ensure the suitability of the topic.

Assess the Practical Significance

A chosen topic must hold practical relevance in the real world. If it lacks value and fails to deliver significant insights to the audience, the professor’s approval may be elusive. When making your selection from a pool of graphic design dissertation topics, opt for one that offers tangible value to the reader.

Engage with Your Professor for Topic Selection

Your perceived exceptional topic might hold minimal importance in the eyes of your educator. Prior to finalizing your decision, engage in a conversation with your professors. They can provide valuable suggestions that might alter your perspective.

These guidelines can aid you in choosing a compelling graphic design dissertation topic. Were you navigating through your research following the outlined pointers? If so, excellent! If not, consider adjusting your research approach. While studying, you’ve likely encountered numerous topics. We’ve categorised them according to subject and purpose, offering you a comprehensive collection of graphic design dissertation topics without delay.

Exploring the Finest Graphic Design Dissertation Topics for 2023

Bid farewell to the struggle of selecting impressive graphic design dissertation topics. Presented below is a comprehensive list of subjects designed to captivate your professor’s attention instantly. Peruse through them and choose the one that resonates with you.

Outstanding Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

  • Innovations Shaping the Graphic Design Industry
  • Unveiling the Interplay Between Human Psychology and Color Selection
  • Modern Icons: Exploring the Noteworthy Graphic Designers of Today
  • The Far-Reaching Impact of Graphic Design on a Global Scale
  • Digital Design Evolution: Tracing the Path of Transformation
  • Navigating Online and Traditional Graphic Design Tools
  • Consumer Perception: Decoding the Influence of Graphic Design
  • Paradigm Shift: The Transformation Brought by Graphic Design Tools
  • Television’s Role in Shaping Contemporary Graphic Design
  • Striking the Equilibrium Between Complexity and Simplicity in Graphic Design

Prominent Graphic Design Dissertation Ideas

  • Chromatic Expressions: Unraveling the Role of Colors in Design
  • Pictorial Language: How Graphic Design Shapes social media
  • Traditions in a Digital Age: Evaluating the Relevance of Classic Graphics
  • Evolution of Designing Tools: A Journey Through Shifting Landscapes
  • Typeface Dynamics: Navigating the Digital Typography Era
  • Stages of Development in Graphic Design: An Analytical Exploration
  • Influential Factors in the Dynamic World of Graphic Design
  • Vocation or Passion: Contemplating Graphic Design as a Career Choice
  • Weaving the Web: Unveiling the Integral Role of Graphic Design in Web Development

Insightful Historical Art Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

  • From 1950 to 2023: Tracing the Evolution of Graphic Design
  • Ancient Legacies: Graphic Design’s Vital Role in Roman and Greek Cultures
  • Primal Aesthetics: Exploring the Earliest Techniques in Graphic Design

Animation and Entertainment Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

  • Animation vs. Motion Graphics: A Comparative Analysis
  • Animation’s Subtle Influence: Shaping Human Behavior Through Design
  • Graphic Design in Motion: Pioneering the Future of Entertainment

Graphic Design Technology Topic Ideas

  • Reshaping Typography: The Software-Infused Evolution of Typefaces
  • Onward and Upward: The Ongoing Evolution of Graphic Design

This selection showcases a spectrum of exceptional graphic design dissertation topics. Upon finalizing your topic, remember to craft a compelling title—a critical element evaluated by your professor. A well-crafted title encapsulates numerous facets, ensuring its potency. Delve into the essentials of formulating an impactful dissertation title.”

How to Craft an Apt Graphic Design Dissertation Title for Your Chosen Topic?

A dissertation title serves as the initial glimpse into your content for any reader. Thus, formulating it correctly is of utmost importance. The title holds considerable significance in the realm of master’s dissertation help, encompassing essential elements that merit attention. Here is a breakdown of those elements:

Spotlight the Central Issue of Your Topic

Within a graphic design dissertation, you delve into various intricacies. Condensing all of them into a single title proves impractical. Instead, focus on encapsulating the core predicament your dissertation addresses. This grants readers a preview of the content’s focal point.

Infuse an Element of Allurement

Steers clear of repetitive or lackluster titles. Infuse vitality into your headings to captivate attention. Strive for a title that piques curiosity, enticing readers to delve deeper into your content.

Strike a Balance in Word Count

Graphic Design Dissertation titles should strike a harmonious balance between brevity and elaboration. The title should furnish a glimpse into the underlying content without overwhelming the reader.

Hint at the Inquiry’s Answer

Every dissertation revolves around a central question. While the title need not explicitly provide the answer, it should hint at the content’s alignment with the primary query. Should you encounter challenges in crafting the perfect title, consider the option to buy your dissertation online.

Contextual Clarity is Key

Your dissertation encompasses a plethora of insights, yet it invariably serves a singular purpose. Hence, strive to imbue your title with contextual clarity, aligning with your content’s overarching intent. The title need not house superfluous details.

We trust these insights provide valuable guidance for graphic design thesis topic ideas and titles. If navigating chunks of information leaves you perplexed, consider turning to Academicexpert.UK for assistance. Unsure of where to proceed? Let us help you! Academicexpert.UK crafts documents tailored to your designated topic. Our researchers conduct in-depth explorations of your assigned issue, meticulously detailing the merits and demerits of pursuing that specific subject. Only after exhaustive deliberation do we reach a conclusion.

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For further insight, read: How to Compose a Literature Review? A Comprehensive 7-Step Guide with Examples

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Now that you’ve traversed through the realm of graphic design dissertation topics , the time has arrived for your definitive selection. However, if uncertainty continues to linger or personal challenges emerge, entrust your concerns to AcademicExpert.UK . We fabricate documents meticulously catered to your needs, supported by our researchers’ comprehensive exploration of your assigned subject. Expect a nuanced evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages associated with your chosen topic. Through diligent assessment, we culminate in a well-informed conclusion.

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Graphic Design Essay Topics

Graphic design has grown into a popular discipline which attracts individuals who are innovative and creative. The field of graphic design has expanded to include typography and industrial design. The graphic designer must be able to engage their audience through their work and ideas which should be interesting and useful. Graphic design inspires spontaneity and the ability to identify unique and creative ideas for the project that you are working on. Writing about graphic designer can give you a foot on the ladder with regards to developing creative and innovative ideas. When identifying an essay topic it is important that you choose a topic which is relevant and interesting to you. Your focus and aims should remain strong and clear throughout the project. Subdivisions of topics on graphic design can be seen below:

General Graphic Design Topics

Graphic design and digital technology, graphic design and business, culture, identity and graphic design, graphic design and marketing, graphic design and visual communications.

The field of graphic design continues to grow with more organisations wanting the use of graphic design within their offices, business, and advertising strategies. Graphic design should be able to grasp the attention of the intended audience so that there can be a sense of aesthetic appreciation. There are a great many influences in the field of graphic design, and it is important that you can choose a topic which will engage both yourself and the reader to show the potential of the further development of the field. Importantly, there are different sections within graphic design which can be further enhanced through technology. Some examples are identified below:

  • What is graphic design?
  • Is graphic design about the relationship of form and communications?
  • What have the recent trends in graphic design been?
  • What have been the main stages of development of graphic design?
  • What are the factors that influence graphic design?
  • What impact does a graphic designer have on their field?
  • What are the principles of graphic design?
  • How has graphic design evolved in the 20 th century?
  • Are there similarities between graphic design and contemporary photographic theory?
  • How are colours important in graphic design?
  • Compare the similarities between the tools used by graphic designers and those used by conventional photographers.
  • Does a graphic design require a passion for art?
  • What qualities should a professional graphic designer possess?

While there have been many challenges with the advent of technology in the digital era, graphic design has been one field which has had the ability to change according to the environment and the development of technologies. The tools which were once important to the industry have been further developed and enhanced to be more specific to the goals of projects. The use of technology should be embraced in the graphic design industry and these developments should keep advancing. Below are some titles associated with graphic design and digital technology.

  • How has new technology influenced the role of graphic design?
  • What role does graphic design play in social media?
  • How have the tools of graphic design changed?
  • How has the evolution of computer graphics in the 20 th century influenced graphic design?
  • What role does graphic design play in web design development?
  • How have typefaces and print styles changed in the digital age?
  • What are the different forms of media that can be used in graphic design?
  • How have computers helped graphic design evolve?
  • Is there still a role for traditional graphic design in the digital age?

Graphic design has become an important industry for the business environment. Here the industry cannot only advance, but it can also play a role in the advancement in the business environment. Below are some topics for this section.

  • Is graphic design important to the success of a company?
  • How can graphic design generate revenue?
  • How important are appealing designs and attractive packaging to the consumer?
  • How can graphics change a corporate identity?
  • What difference can graphic design make to a company?
  • How important are logos created through graphic design to business?

Culture and identity play a rule in the wider field of graphic design. Sometimes graphic design is dictated to by culture and identity and it is important to know why. Gender has also a role to play within graphic design and the influence of the capability of one gender over another. Below are some examples.

  • Are there identifiable differences in the styles of male and female designers?
  • Evaluate the impact of a graphic designer (male or female) in the field of graphic design.
  • What are the main approaches used by male and female graphic designers?
  • Can graphic design be used as a tool for women to be successful in this industry?
  • Identify the role of women in graphic design.
  • Are women any closer to have equal opportunities in leadership in graphic design?

The use of marketing has become a platform for many organisations to brand and promote their products. Graphic design can greatly influence this process. Some suggestions are identified below.

  • How do customers remember the brand?
  • What role does graphic design play in social media marketing?
  • How can industry utilise the role of graphic design?
  • How can graph design create brand loyal customers?
  • How can graphic design successfully implement an advertising campaign through is graphics?
  • How have different advertisements attracted people over the last 50 years?
  • What impact does graphic design have on marketing strategies?
  • How important is the role of graphic design in advertising?
  • Can graphic design incorporate subliminal messages into marketing?

Being able to visually communicate with the audience is a significant part of graphic design. How graphic design is perceived is necessary to the clear message it presents, and this is often done visually. Here we can see some examples.

  • How can graphic design influence visual communications?
  • Does graphic design play an important role in government propaganda?
  • What is the impact of visual information to service design?
  • Can trends in graphic design be produced in the design of articles in popular magazines?
  • What role does colour play in graphic design?
  • Can meaning be enhanced through visual imaging?

StatAnalytica

Top 100 Graphic Design Project Ideas [Updated]

Graphic Design Project Ideas

Graphic design is a powerful and versatile medium that plays an important role in conveying messages, creating visual identities, and leaving a lasting impact. In the ever-evolving world of design, the exploration of graphic design project ideas is essential for staying relevant and innovative.

This blog will delve into various types of graphic design projects, considerations for successful execution, trendy ideas, challenges faced by designers, and tips to ensure a flourishing design journey.

What are the Types of Graphic Design Projects?

Table of Contents

Print Media

Print media remains a classic avenue for graphic designers to showcase their skills. Poster designs, brochure layouts, and business card creations offer a tangible and impactful way to communicate messages.

Each project requires a unique approach, blending creativity with functionality to captivate the audience.

Digital Media

In the digital age, graphic designers are tasked with creating eye-catching visuals for online platforms. Social media graphics, website designs, and app interfaces demand a keen understanding of user experience and the ability to adapt designs to varying screen sizes and resolutions.

Brand identity is a crucial aspect of any business, and graphic designers play a vital role in shaping it.

Logo designs , brand identity packages, and packaging designs contribute to establishing a brand’s visual language and fostering recognition.

Illustration

Illustrations bring a touch of artistry to graphic design projects. Whether through digital or hand-drawn illustrations, designers can create visually appealing and engaging content.

Infographic designs, in particular, allow for the effective communication of complex information in a visually accessible manner.

Considerations for Graphic Design Projects

  • Target Audience

Understanding the demographics and preferences of the target audience is paramount. Tailoring designs to resonate with the intended viewers enhances the project’s effectiveness and ensures a more significant impact.

  • Purpose and Goals

Identifying the purpose and goals of a graphic design project is essential. Whether the aim is to convey a specific message, create brand awareness, or provide information, a clear understanding of objectives guides the design process.

  • Medium and Platform

Choosing the right tools and software is crucial for successful graphic design projects. Additionally, adapting designs for different platforms ensures a consistent and visually appealing presence across various mediums.

Top 100 Graphic Design Project Ideas

  • Minimalist Poster Design
  • Vintage-Inspired Logo Creation
  • Social Media Quote Graphics
  • Infographic on a Complex Topic
  • Packaging Design for a New Product
  • Business Card for a Creative Professional
  • Magazine Cover Redesign
  • Website Landing Page Revamp
  • Album Cover Artwork
  • T-shirt Graphic Design
  • Custom Font Creation
  • Environmental Awareness Poster
  • Animated GIF for Social Media
  • Food Menu Design for a Restaurant
  • eBook Cover Illustration
  • 3D Product Rendering
  • Event Invitation Design
  • App Interface Redesign
  • Charity Campaign Graphics
  • Car Wrap Design
  • Product Label for Handmade Goods
  • Interactive PDF Portfolio
  • Icon Set for a Mobile App
  • Sticker Designs for Brand Promotion
  • Pattern Design for Textiles
  • Social Media Banner Ads
  • Digital Art Print Series
  • Website Iconography Overhaul
  • Annual Report Infographics
  • Conceptual Product Mockup
  • Educational Poster for Children
  • Visual Brand Language Development
  • Outdoor Billboard Advertisement
  • Email Newsletter Template
  • Health and Wellness eBook Layout
  • Virtual Event Branding
  • E-commerce Website Graphics
  • Augmented Reality Filters
  • Interactive Map Design
  • Beer Label Artwork
  • Conceptual Book Cover Design
  • Real Estate Brochure
  • Podcast Cover Art
  • Dashboard UI Design
  • Packaging for Sustainable Products
  • Coffee Shop Menu Board
  • Digital Magazine Layout
  • Logo Animation for Video Intros
  • Virtual Reality Environment Design
  • Financial Report Data Visualization
  • Influencer Media Kit Design
  • Concept Car Advertisement
  • Educational Game Graphics
  • Neon Sign Design
  • Recipe Card Illustration
  • Inspirational Quote Wall Art
  • Conceptual Product Packaging
  • Environmental Awareness Campaign
  • Logo Animation for Social Media
  • Pop-Up Banner for Events
  • Outdoor Apparel Catalog Layout
  • Virtual Backgrounds for Video Calls
  • Artistic Social Media Stories
  • Editorial Illustration for a Newspaper
  • Packaging for Limited Edition Items
  • User Onboarding Graphics for Apps
  • Annual Calendar Design
  • Sustainable Packaging Redesign
  • Custom Emojis for a Brand
  • Interactive Website Navigation
  • Abstract Mural Design
  • Company Milestone Infographic
  • Interactive Quiz Graphics
  • Conceptual Movie Poster
  • Fashion Lookbook Design
  • Website Loading Animation
  • Holiday Greeting Cards
  • Personal Branding Collateral
  • Conceptual Tech Gadget Mockup
  • Custom Snapchat Geofilters
  • Conceptual Album Art for a Band
  • Beauty Product Packaging
  • Art Exhibition Poster
  • Animated Explainer Video Graphics
  • 404 Error Page Redesign
  • Social Media Contest Graphics
  • Custom Avatars for a Community
  • Virtual Trade Show Booth Design
  • Science Fiction Book Cover
  • Travel Postcard Series
  • Packaging for Luxury Items
  • Conceptual Smart Home Interface
  • Concept Art for Video Games
  • Skateboard Deck Design
  • Food Truck Wrap Design
  • Retro Video Game Graphics
  • Financial Dashboard Infographic
  • Conceptual Space Tourism Poster
  • Animated Social Media Polls
  • Branding for a Virtual Reality Experience

Tips for Successful Graphic Design Projects

Achieving success in graphic design projects involves a combination of creativity, technical skill, and effective project management. Here are some essential tips to ensure your graphic design projects thrive:

  • Understand the Project Requirements:
  • Begin by thoroughly understanding the client’s needs and project goals.
  • Clarify expectations, deadlines, and any specific preferences the client may have.
  • Know Your Audience:
  • Tailor your design to the target audience. Understand their preferences, demographics, and behavior to create more impactful visuals.
  • Research and Gather Inspiration:
  • Conduct research to stay updated on design trends, industry standards, and competitors.
  • Collect inspiration from various sources to spark creativity and bring fresh ideas to your projects.
  • Create a Clear Design Brief:
  • Develop a detailed design brief that outlines project objectives, target audience, key messages, and any specific requirements.
  • A clear brief helps you and the client stay aligned throughout the design process.
  • Effective Communication:
  • Maintain open and transparent communication with clients. Regular updates, check-ins, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is on the same page.
  • Time Management:
  • Create a realistic project timeline with well-defined milestones.
  • Prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and allocate sufficient time for revisions and unforeseen challenges.
  • Collaborate and Seek Feedback:
  • Collaborate with team members or clients to enhance the creative process.
  • Actively seek feedback and be open to constructive criticism to refine your designs.
  • Embrace Constructive Criticism:
  • View feedback as an opportunity for improvement. Analyze critiques objectively and use them to enhance your design skills.
  • Stay Consistent with Branding:
  • When working on branding projects, maintain consistency across all elements, including colors, fonts, and visual style.
  • Ensure the design aligns with the established brand identity and guidelines.
  • Test Across Platforms:
  • Test your designs on different devices and platforms to ensure they are visually appealing and functional across various screen sizes and resolutions.
  • Keep It Simple:
  • Strive for simplicity, especially in communication design. Clear and straightforward visuals are often more effective in conveying messages.
  • Stay Updated on Tools and Software:
  • Familiarize yourself with the latest design tools and software to stay efficient and competitive in the field.
  • Continual Learning:
  • Graphic design is an ever-evolving field. Invest time in continuous learning to stay informed about new trends, techniques, and technologies.
  • Build a Strong Portfolio:
  • Showcase your best work in a portfolio that reflects your diverse skills and style.
  • Update your portfolio regularly to showcase your latest and most relevant projects.
  • Network and Connect:
  • Engage with other designers, attend industry events, and participate in online communities.
  • Networking can lead to collaboration opportunities and provide valuable insights into industry trends.

Exploring graphic design project ideas is an exhilarating journey filled with creative possibilities. From traditional print media to cutting-edge digital designs, graphic designers play a crucial role in shaping visual experiences.

By considering the target audience, purpose, and medium, embracing trendy ideas, overcoming challenges, and following essential tips, designers can embark on a path of continuous growth and innovation in the dynamic world of graphic design.

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  2. Graphic Design Dissertation Topics (28 Examples) For Research

    Find 28 examples of graphic design research topics for your thesis or project. Explore the evolution, trends, theory, education, and applications of graphic design in different contexts and media.

  3. Graphic Design Dissertation Topics & Titles

    Research Aim: The aim of this research study is to investigate the growing practice of graphic design to use visual arts in healthcare. For an insightful understanding, the study will focus on the initiative taken by the NHS. Objectives: To analyse the relevance of using graphic design to create visual arts specifically for healthcare purposes.

  4. 112 Graphic Design Dissertation Topics

    How graphic design has revolutionized modern cinema; Colorful classroom creation; These ideas can be the basis of a fantastic dissertation. Nevertheless, each of them requires adequate time to investigate and gather relevant information. Exciting Graphic Design Research Topics. Maybe you want to write about an interesting topic in this field.

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  7. Research Subject Guides: Graphic Design: Get Started

    Welcome. This guide introduces resources to support your research topics in graphic design. You'll find a list of major databases in the field as well as tips on finding books, articles, and other sources. Email or schedule an appointment with the art and design librarian for your location if you need help with your research.

  8. Graphic Design Dissertation Topics for FREE

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    Sue Walker is professor of Typography and a former head of the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Reading for 10 years. She is a fellow of the Design Research Society and was a member of the art and design sub-panel for Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 and Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, the UK ...

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    Graphic Design Masters Theses. Total Papers Total Downloads Downloads in the past year. RISD's graduate program in Graphic Design prepares students for professional practice by emphasizing the roles of social context, media and aesthetics in the production of visible language systems. As a reflection of the discipline itself, the program ...

  13. (PDF) The Rise of Research in Graphic Design

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  14. Selecting a Design Research Topic

    In other words, a design research project in experience design should: involve human actors in some way. include the design of outcomes/an intervention. inspect the effects of interactions between human actors and design outcomes. When selecting topics for your research, be sure they are related to experience design.

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    A primer in graphic design. Graphic design is part of the visual culture of everyday life; in the products we use to the formatting of the information we consume ( Barnard 2005 ). Every day is a competition for people's attention in a sea of information; thus, science communication efforts need to be effective.

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    Interesting Graphic Design Topics for a Research Paper. Images have been used throughout human history to communicate messages, ideas and express various elements of emotion. Design has the profound ability to instantly attract or repel and individual from an idea or product through targeted suggestion. While art in an aesthetic capacity has ...

  17. The Significance of Design Research in Graphic Designing

    It removes the guesswork from your design. It takes care of any miscommunication between the graphic designer and the rest of the team. In short, research is a powerful tool in graphic design. Use it, and you become a better graphic designer because you now have knowledge of audiences and competitors.

  18. What Is a Research Design

    A research design is a strategy for answering your research question using empirical data. Creating a research design means making decisions about: Your overall research objectives and approach. Whether you'll rely on primary research or secondary research. Your sampling methods or criteria for selecting subjects. Your data collection methods.

  19. A road map to scientific illustrations: 6 step graphic design process

    With just 6 easy steps you too can transform an idea into a beautiful scientific graphic. The Idea - Outline your concept including design scope, key message, target audience and timeline. Research - Use those scientific research skills, and find some inspo for your design. Experiment - Play around with background, layout, and fonts.

  20. The best of Science graphics in 2022

    Using a multitude of creative disciplines and visual resources, we use graphic design, cartography, and data visualizations to tell beautiful and informative scientific stories. Our favorites from 2022 covered a range of research areas, from astronomy to biology to robotics, and many places in between. V. ALTOUNIAN/SCIENCE.

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    The Roles of computers in the evolution of graphic design*** Digital Art Evolution Graphic design for Album cover art*** Online gaming trends Graphic design in games*** The topics that interest me the most have a "***" at the end ... If you go the album art direction you could do research into Paula Scher or Stefan Sagmeister as both of them ...

  22. Research Subject Guides: Graphic Design: Get Started

    Welcome. This guide introduces resources to support your research topics in graphic design. You'll find a list of major databases in the field as well as tips on finding books, articles, and other sources. Email or schedule an appointment with the art and design librarian for your location if you need help with your research.

  23. Explore 25+ Graphic Design Dissertation Topics for 2023

    Insightful Historical Art Graphic Design Dissertation Topics. From 1950 to 2023: Tracing the Evolution of Graphic Design. Ancient Legacies: Graphic Design's Vital Role in Roman and Greek Cultures. Primal Aesthetics: Exploring the Earliest Techniques in Graphic Design.

  24. Research on Interactive Graphic Design Color Matching Optimization

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  25. Graphic Design Essay Topics for FREE

    General Graphic Design Topics. The field of graphic design continues to grow with more organisations wanting the use of graphic design within their offices, business, and advertising strategies. Graphic design should be able to grasp the attention of the intended audience so that there can be a sense of aesthetic appreciation.

  26. Top 100 Graphic Design Project Ideas [Updated]

    Discover the world of 100 graphic design project ideas, from print to digital, as we explore trends, challenges, and tips for unleashing creativity. ... See also Top 101 Home Economics Research Topics [Updated] Identifying the purpose and goals of a graphic design project is essential. Whether the aim is to convey a specific message, create ...