Thesis

By using cultural and biometric data in the design process, designers can enhance the functionality of design tools.

MFA Thesis:
Trancendental Modalities: A Neo-Cybernetic Toolkit for Design

Classification:
Brand Identity, Research, Strategy, Copywriting, Motion design

Recognition:

Let's Grow Together

Client
‍Application design
‍
Deliverables
Brand design
Brand experience
Brand management
Brand platform
Brand strategy
Concept development
Design strategy
Digital design
Motion design
Naming
Type design
UX/UI design
Visual identity
Visual language

Employees
10

Clients
51

In 1906, Creve Coeur Farmer’s Bank was established to help residents of a small, farming community near St. Louis reach their financial goals. Creve Coeur Farmer’s Bank later became First Bank in 1986. Creve Coeur Bank’s family heritage was communal and it set the strong foundation to grow through the leadership of the Dierberg family.

Our challenge was that First bank is a family oriented and exclusive company conservative in their positioning with outdated tone of voice. To solve this problem we prioritized community through inclusivity, updated products, and updated positioning. We set the framework for First Bank to make this transition through creation of personal and business banking solutions as well as educational resources. We’re in the business of helping our clients grow and recognize their value.

Embrace the machine as a collaborator in the design process

Project introduction

Humanity’s relationship with our tools have always been cybernetic. As we grow more cybernetic, our relationship with our technological tools becomes more disharmonious.
Extending our senses through our design tools illuminates a path forward to what a harmonious relationship with our technology could be. Transcendental Modalities contains biometric experiments, motion, type, and design of a studio I call Moda Lab to standardize a new cybernetic design process I call Modal Mimetics.

Challenges

Due to algorithms that shape and curate our experiences, enlightenment standards to the design we consume, and a worldview that alienates nature — we are disconnected with technology, our communities, and ourselves. Despite these issues, my research suggests that embracing collaboration with the machine in the design process and intentional integration with our technology to balance the relationship between humanity is the solution.

Solution

My explorations led to creation of three tools that collected biometric data to drive the design process: the Omni-Link, Modal Array, and Thermogenic Extremity. To accompany these biometric tools, I created a typeface inspired by a 1893 Bauer type specimen created for the Chicago world fair. After these explorations I created two motion pieces that introduced this biometric future and revealed the design firm, Moda Lab.

Outside the boundary

Interactive Design

Interactive design transcends traditional boundaries, offering a dynamic and immersive approach that engages users beyond the confines of static mediums. It defies the limitations of conventional design by inviting active participation and dialogue, transforming the audience from passive observers into co-creators of the experience.

Determined by data

Applications

Through the implementation of tools that gather or use biometric data, Moda Lab pioneers a new frontier in design, one that is both accessible and inclusive while maintaining a dynamic edge.Each creation is a testament to the transformative potential of technology when coupled with a human-centric approach, pushing the boundaries of innovation while championing inclusivity in every detail.

Enhanced toolkits

Genetic Futures

As a result of my experiments, I designed to revolutionize interactive design. First, I created the Modal Array, a dynamic screen generating diverse typographic layouts based on proximity data. Next, I worked on the Thermal Extremity, which captures temperature data for seamless integration into UI/UX environments, enriching user experiences. Finally, I created the Omni Link, which utilizes GSR data to craft captivating typographic animations. With each tool, we push design boundaries, fostering a new era of limitless creativity.

Pulse portraits

implementation

As a result of earlier explorations, I created a tool which used the human pulse to create portraits using abstract shapes. Using this technology, I collaborated with several of my cohort to create pulse portraits for them with their consent. After creating one for myself, I created a tapestry using my own portrait and typeface.

Beginings

The origin of my project

To begin finding ways to bridge the gap between technology and humanity, I downloaded my sleep data for an entire term and used my sleep data with code in InDesign to drive the design of my thesis zine. The days I maintained over 8 hours of rest are represented by bolded, more scaled up letters and the days i got under 8 hours are represented by blurry, subdued lettering.

New horizons

Constructing meaning

After tool creation, I felt compelled to create a two motion pieces to represent my findings. With the Moda Lab Reveal, I show how biometric centered design solutions can make us more visible in the design by highlighting examples of organs that can generate data we can use. With biometric futures, I speak to the possibilities of biometric data as well as the outcome of not addressing the disharmony with our tools: disconnection with our communities and ourselves.