Design & UX Research

Case Study | MFA Graduate Thesis Project

Academy of Art University Graduate School of Web Design & New Media

Week 4

Project Selection

This week I made the final topic selection for my "Big Project."

Based on the careful review of all of my ideas and inspirations, along with the valuable critiques I received from my professor and peers, I was able to narrow my best ideas down even further.

The topic that I have chosen for this project is based on the  "Quantum Mechanics and Human Potential/Free Will" idea expressed through an interactive art installation. 

It will inspire the viewer to think about these concepts and apply them in an interactive experiment.

I have titled the project: “Waking Up” | An interactive [AR]t installation.

The premise is staged with a parallel connection between non-dualism (unity) and recent scientific discoveries in quantum mechanics, inspired by new scientific discoveries in quantum mechanics (QM) with its implications on human potential/free will and the underlying reality being non-dualistic.

I also continued my in-depth research on the topic and started the process of creating my project proposal in the form of a slide show.

The slides I worked on this week included:

• Cover Slide (Title)
• Mission/proposal abstract - What It Is, How It Works, About the Artwork, About Augmented Reality
• Inspirational Projects: (4) examples
• Rationale - Why Am I doing This, Who Is It For, How Is It Unique, How Does It Help Me
• Unique positioning
• Competitors: (4 examples)

This week's challenge included balancing this project's deliverables alongside the production of an art exhibit, managing the household, an art online art business, and a few other project deadlines that were scheduled at the same time.

I really want to give this project as much concentrated attention as possible. I feel like there is so much research to do in order to crate a solid foundation to build upon. I'm looking forward to it!

Coming-Up Next...

Next week, I will be looking forward to further refining the project through research and the development of additional slides that will include:

• Target audience and target audience research
• Personas (three actual people in my target audience)
• User story/task flows
• Mood Board

This blog will serve as a place to create my case study. I invite you to follow along with me as I journey through this process.

Thank you for reading and for your interest.

Julie A. Davis Veach