NEXT GEN: MFA THESIS
What is an MFA Thesis? The final requirement for completing a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is the successful completion and defense of a thesis. The purpose of this thesis was to identity a problem in the world while demonstrating and defending how the graphic design could solve the defined problem. This process included topic selection and approval from an assigned committee, extensive research on the topic, and creating of deliverables that would solve the problem.
THE PROBLEM : NEXT GEN
Generation X men are the primary dads of the current Gen Z teenagers. Recent studies have shown that today’s fathers have become increasingly uninvolved in the spiritual development of their teenagers. This lack of involvement from one of the biggest influences in the spiritual life of teenagers, greatly affects the overall quality of spiritual development and is one of the reasons there is an increase of Gen Z leaving the Church. The deliverables created in this thesis would seek to educate and equip dads to be more involved in the spiritual development of their teenagers.
LITERATURE REVIEW
A literature review was conducted to better understand and solve the problem of the growing trend of fathers being less involved in the spiritual development of their teenagers. The first topic of research was to look at the spiritual development that occurs in adolescence and how it relates to the generational characteristics of Gen Z, who are current teenagers. The biggest discovery was in this new phase of spiritual development and making faith their own, teenagers need acceptance and a plan to transition into independence. Next was to research the overall influence that dads have on the spiritual development of their teens and look at current trends in the declining involvement of fathers in the lives of their teenagers. Current trends show that the involvement of fathers is decreasing in the spiritual development of their teenager’s lives.
VISUAL RESEARCH
Next, cases studies and visual analysis were conducted to further research the best visual aesthetic and branding that would catch the attention of dads of current teenagers, and be functional while balancing their professional and personal lives. This included research other deliverables and similar solutions and evaluating their successes and weaknesses. The second part of the visual research included understanding the target audience better, and what visual style would appeal to this demographic and in what visual medium the content would be best consumed considering their lifestyle. Research showed that the dads of Gen Z teenagers are Generation X. These are dads that were born in the range of 1965-1976, so were teenagers in the 80’s. These dads are still primarily in the workforce, and struggle with professional and personal life balance.
THE PROPOSED SOLUTION
To solve this problem the following deliverables were created for this thesis: A poster series, social media posts, a mobile app, a website, and an activity booklet. These deliverables were selected to also meet the busy professional schedules of dads since most in this generation are still working full-time. All deliverables utilized the same color palette that are reflective of 80’s pop and the Memphis style of design and images were edited to have a more vintage aesthetic, which were styled to be more modern and masculine. This was to appeal to the nostalgia of current Generation X fathers, and the design styles that were very typical when they were teenagers.
POSTER SERIES
The first deliverables in the Next Gen thesis is a six series poster set. Each poster includes a unique headline with a fact about Gen Z and spiritual development, an image to catch the attention of the target audience, a statistic about Gen Z relating to the headline, and a QR code that directs the views to the Next Gen website with additional information and resources.
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Generation X were some of the earliest adopters of technology and studies have shown that they do have a large online and social media presence. Surveys conducted show that an average of 80% of Generation X adults have and are regularly active of Facebook’s social media platform. To reach this demographic where they are already present, social media posts were create for Facebook posts that go along with a blog or other resources for the Next Gen Facebook group.
MOBILE APP
Many Generation X dads are still primarily part of the workforce, which partly attributes to their lack of involvement in their teenagers spiritual development. To provide an opportunity for dads to learn more abotu spiritual development while on their work commute, a mobile app was created with features like a blog and short podcasts on spiritual development, weekly challenges to connect with their teenagers, and a log to create notes and store information about their teenager.
WEBSITE
The website was created to provide a more in-depth experience for dad’s on spiritual development. Where the mobile app was created to be used on a commute, the website requires more time and to be used on a longer lunch break or at night while at home. Longer articles than seen on the mobile app are provided from academic experts. A much more in depth explanation of spiritual development phases are covered. Another feature is the monthly challenges that rotate annually and provide ideas for fun and connection with teenagers with the goal of building bridges and opening the door for more spiritual conversations.
ACTIVITY BOOK
The final deliverable created was the Next Gen activity book. This booklet is avialable for purchase for the through the website and app and consists of three sections of content. “About Your Teen” provides more in-depth information about spiritual development stages. “Reflections” provide an opportunity for dads to personally reflect on their own lives and involvement in their teens spiritual development. “Challenges” provide action steps for dads to have tough conversations and take steps to build bridges become more actively involved in their teens’ lives.
All image used in the final thesis deliverables have been used by permission or licensed.