An MFA thesis revisited
The Public Option in Graphic Design: An MFA thesis, (2009). Written to encourage and empower graphic designers to use their talents to positively impact society.
While originally a people-centered design system created from a graphic designer’s perspective, the system is ultimately transferable between creative disciplines.
As of 2020, projects ranging from graphic design & public safety, to product design & entrepreneurship have been rooted in the design thinking and structure of this thesis. And, 2021 will bring the introduction of an environmentally focused iteration of this thesis’ design mission to the public.
Real world examples below:
Pothole Warning System: MFA thesis project (2009).
Pothole Warning System
The Pothole Warning System (PWS), is the thesis project component of The Public Option in Graphic Design. It’s a two-part system (physical signage and online application), that was designed to address the state of our national infrastructure, and offer new ways for public works departments and citizens to work together to create safer roadways.
The PWS was the very first to visually articulate the concept of oncoming potholes/road hazards. When presented, it was also one of the earliest examples of an online application that showcased the potential for ordinary citizens to directly map potholes that needed to be fixed by tagging their geographical locations.
Before the PWS, no pothole warning signage of any kind existed. Hence, it being the subject of my thesis project. Documented below: A 2020 Google image search for “Pothole Warning System Signage” shows how widely the PWS graphic has been adopted (snatched) and circulated both domestically and internationally since its 2009 creation. Proof that the design is clearly communicating its intended message.
Online Pothole Warning System (2010) from thesis presentation: Also included were the contact information for each city’s public works department, information for surrounding municipalities, and links to forms and resources related to reimbursement for pothole related damage.
Representation of a locating and scheduling system. For internal use.
Once something’s posted online, you never know what will happen next. A few results from a 2020 Google image search.
Request to Experiment
Navigating the bureaucracy of road maintenance has proven to be a long and complex process.
In order for the PWS to legitimately warn and protect commuters, its inclusion in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a necessary step. And, a Request to Experiment is what’s needed for its official consideration. As shown above, the fact that the PWS has been adopted by so many to illustrate the topic of potholes demonstrates its required “legibility and clear communication” as stated in the letter below from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.
Due to pandemic related budget shortfalls nationwide, would PWS signage not only help commuters, but now also help protect municipalities and local governments from liabilities and damage reimbursement costs associated with pothole damage?
Correspondence from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Yellow highlighting by me, not the FHA.