A doctoral study in the field of graphic design is quite an adventure as well as a challenge. It asks students to combine theory and imagination to create research that can adapt to the constantly changing environment of visual communication. To give you some ideas, the following is an extensive example of a graphic design dissertation proposal example between theoretical wordiness and imaginary investigation
Graphic design is key in communication that brands use in relaying their values, identity, and messages to the world. Since the digital platforms gain a stronger and stronger selection among marketing and communication strategies, design decisions, in particular, those concerning advertising, should be viewed as highly influential toward the behavior and perception of the user.
The simplicity of the minimalist style, as well as clean lines and minimization of clutter, have become treasured in digital advertising. Nevertheless, although minimalism design is quite famous, its efficiency as a method of streamlining engagement and brand perception is unexplored.
This dissertation attempts to explore the role of minimalism in online advertising, about its influence on the engagement and brand identity perception of online consumers.
Research Questions:
What is the impact of minimalist digital advertising design on user engagement (click-through rates, interaction time, etc.)?
How do human beings react psychologically and emotionally when faced with minimalistic design in comparison with more complicated visuals?
Does minimalism design have either a better or worse effect on brand perception within the digital sphere?
Objectives:
In order to discuss the features of minimalism design applied to the existing digital advertising campaigns.
To determine the user interaction data and engagement measures through minimalist/ maximalist advertisements.
To assess the impact of the design style on the perception and brand trust of the consumer.
Literature Review:
The literature review will examine available scholarly and industry-based literature on the principles of minimalist design, and digital advertising approach, as well as user experience. The reference to key texts like “The Elements of Graphic Design” by Alex W. White and “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug will be made to base the research on the established design theory and UX principles.
In addition, papers in cognitive psychology and marketing shall also be read so as to know how visual simplicity can carry through the perception, retention of information in our minds, and also the emotional feeling.
Methodology:
The research will take a mixed methodology:
Quantitative Analysis: A/B testing of actual digital ads using different styles of design (minimalistic and non-minimalistic) will be conducted to collect such metrics as the number of clicks and time spent interacting with ads.
Qualitative Research: The focus groups and online surveys will be conducted to obtain the subjective answers of the participants to their perceptions of the design, as well as emotional responses to the design.
A sample to be taken will consist of 100 respondents between the ages of 18-35 years who are frequent users of the digital content.
Expected Outcomes:
Minimalist design is expected to provide increased engagement among users as they consume less information and have a more direct message. Nevertheless, some brands might lose some credibility in the sense of creativity or exclusivity when identity thrives on heavy graphics. This paper will support requisite discussions, being mindful of details on the occasions and the most effective ways that minimalist design can be used in advertising in the digital arena.
Conclusion:
The subject of this dissertation will be of value to both scholarly and applied knowledge regarding the effects of design on consumer behavior in the digital era. It will be beneficial to persons working in graphic design, marketing, and brand strategies, where creating an optimal visual communication in the crowded digital space needs to be optimized.
