Layah's Design, Art, and Technology Capstone Research

Minimalist Boho Coloring Book Graphic by PRO KDP TEMPLATES · Creative Fabrica . (2022, October 23). Creative Fabrica. https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/minimalist-boho-coloring-book-3/ The image above inspired my designs for my activity book. I love how simplistic shapes and lines are placed together to create an overarching theme/vibe. I wanted to imitate these in my designs so that the accompanying text heading can serve as an entry point into each page and body text can explain any vital details the viewer may need context of. The  linework  is both neat and  imperfect,  which could translate into a rustic and undefined artistic style.  it  also reminds me of childhood when one is learning how to draw, and the lines are only slightly bent, showing progression over time through practicing a skill.    For my project, I chose to add color to some pages and some designs. The color is representative of some design theories or imagery that need...

    Eddy. (2025, October 1). The role of minimalism in graphic design: balancing aesthetics and functionality. RMCAD. https://www.rmcad.edu/blog/the-role-of-minimalism-in-graphic-design-balancing-aesthetics-and-functionality/   For the final design of my capstone project, I have chosen to follow a minimalist design. "According to research published in the American Research Journal of Humanities Social Science, the minimalist movement  operates  under the belief that “less is more.” (Eddy, 2025) With simpler and/or fewer designs filling a page of the design, the designer is over full reign of the consumer. The article accentuates three key aspects of minimalist design: negative space, visual hierarchy, and functionality. In terms of design, negative space is  the  area that is not filled around an object. This breathing room allows the design to be the  main focus  and  assist  the consumer with understanding its ...

Curry, N. A., BA, Kasser, T., PhD, & AATA, Inc. (2005). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? In Knox College, Loyola University, Richter Memorial Fund, & Bumstead Fund, Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association (Vol. 22, Issue 2, pp. 81–85). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ688443.pdf As I continue to develop my capstone project, I considered the importance of the psychology behind adult’s usa ge of coloring books.  I found a case study from 2005 where 84 undergraduate students ’   anxiety levels  were  assessed in  three different  trials  among three different groups .  In the first round of t rials, the students were administered what was known as the State Anxiety  I nventory  created by Charles D. Spielberger, Richard L. Gorsuch, and Robert E.  Lushene  in 1964.  They were then asked to think about the most fearful time /experience  in their lives and w rite about it  for fou...

Bellarmine University Catalog. (n.d.). UG.DAT.COMM.BA Program | Bellarmine University Catalog. Catalog. https://catalog.bellarmine.edu/programs/UG.DAT.COMM.BA In the College of Arts & Sciences at Bellarmine University, students have the capability to combine digital technology, fine arts, and applied arts with a complementary liberal arts discipline. For guidance, students can read each program's description, core courses necessary for programmatic proficiency, and the learning outcomes. Bellarmine's online catalog lists the following information: " Students graduating from Bellarmine with a degree in Design, Arts and Technology will: demonstrate proficiency in current media technologies. demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of visual design. produce original multimedia work that demonstrates technological skill, clear aesthetic principles, and professional design. create a final project that articulates a personal understanding of the integration...

  Why We Enjoy Puzzles: The View From Play Studies Puzzling is a special kind of play—and teaches special lessons. Henricks, T., PhD. (2022, March 1). Puzzling is a special kind of play—and teaches special lessons. Psychology Today . https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pathways-experience/202203/why-we-enjoy-puzzles-the-view-play-studies In the foundational stages of creating a puzzle, and in turn a puzzle book for adults, one must understand what the term means and what purpose(s) they serve. To distract ourselves from the mediocrity and monotonous routine of daily life, we need something exciting, thrilling, and relaxing simultaneously. Another key term to consider in this puzzling - get it a pun - equation is "play". We may think playing is just for kids. However, as they grow into adults, so do their minds and desire for amusement and sometimes individualistic desires. In the article, six distinct traits were listed as a part of play: transformative,  bounded, ...