Rachel Kuehnel

The goal of this project was to work in groups to create a book containing 99 nature poems for InsideOut, which is a Detroit-based literacy program aiming to transform lives through the medium of written and spoken word. Throughout the project, we meet with the client to get feedback on design decisions. At the end of the project, each group presented their book, and they decided which one would go into limited production. While my group did not win (Adriana Flores, Johanna Moreta, and myself), we are incredibly proud of the result. This book taught me how to interface with clients as well as how to incorporate data visualization and design storytelling into publication.

The goal of this project was to rebrand the John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center to be more in line with the city of Detroit. They had recently made some changes and wanted to move away from some existing controversy within the hospital\'s systems. Our goal was to research, interview, and create a better overall experience with the VA for staff, veterans, and their families. This project was originally sponsored by the hospital but was changed to only monetary involvement due to government red tape. My group consisted of Samantha Swol, Riley Hamady, Megan Bovee, and myself. This project taught me how to navigate the branding process while working within a team.

The goal of this project was to create an interactive experience that explores data visualization through space and engages multiple senses. The data set was also required to have at least 50 points. For this project, I collected my data from the National UFO Reporting Center to explore what UFOs look like in the modern era. This experience taught me how to utilize unique materials as well as how to create an engaging experience through data visualization.

The objective of this project was to explore how data sets shift and recontextualize based on mobile and desktop screens. The final deliverable was a mobile app and desktop website designed in Figma which could sort a collection of our choosing. I was also required to photograph and write my own content. This project taught me methods for sorting data sets and how to display sorting methods for users based on their screen size.

The objective of this project was to create a fictional 826 storefront located in Santa Fe New Mexico. 826 National is a series of tutoring and writing centers with unique storefronts that entice the public into the store while providing funding for the center. I was required to create a full stationary system, a mobile mockup, two motion pieces, five product mockups, and a storefront mockup. From this project I have learned how to create a brand system with defined colors, typography, iconography, and patterns.

The objective of the project was to design and produce a set of 12 double-sided cards whose contents came from playing a surrealist game based on a contemporary or historical hero/villain. I selected Sherlock Holmes. The project presented me with the challenge of maintaining a steady design system while introducing individuality within each of the cards. Another aspect of the project was how to visualize something as ethereal as someone’s philosophy. These cards opened up my mind to the world of abstraction and analogy in ways I had never considered before. I find it easier to imagine “out there” concepts after this project\'s completion.