Learning Different

Author/Artist Name

Randi N. Miget, Murray State UniversityFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Senior

Date of Creation

Fall 11-21-2025

Artist Statement

The biggest way graphic design can have an impact is how it interacts with individuals. It is both a necessity and pleasure in society that has the power to give solutions to problems and makes those solutions accessible to everyone. Taking inspiration from my family’s own experience with my younger brother who is on the autism spectrum, I have seen the challenges that come with accessing good neurodivergent education and decided to address those challenges by bringing the solution to the very homes it affects. Learning Different is a variety of branding and product design projects for at-home learning aids that explore inclusive design principles and raise awareness of consistent education opportunities for children that are part of the neurodivergent and special needs community. These concepts are explored in multiple mediums combined with my design work including screenprinting, book binding, digital fabrication and product design.

In the book Mismatch: How Inclusion Shapes Design, Kat Holmes cites a statement that inclusive design is about focusing on the diversity of people’s interactions with a design rather than creating one thing that’s for everyone. My “Communication Cards” product was designed with the idea of individual interactions in mind rather than solely universal use. Tailored for individuals that struggle with verbal and literary communication, these interactive cards are designed with a combination of dyslexic friendly typography and simple, descriptive illustrations. The purpose of this product, and others, is to encourage interaction in multiple ways that are unique to each individual.

Visual aesthetics were also taken into consideration while looking at other artistic influences like Mick Champayne’s illustration style and Charles M. Schulz’s early work with the Peanuts. The Learning Different posters have evolved over time into their own style of typography and illustrations that are reminiscent of recurring branding elements seen in my other product designs. With consistent use of play between positive and negative space, the posters and other collateral designs share a consistency in interaction and usage of illustration, typography, and branded motifs. Graphic design has the power of creating impactful and exciting visuals that can stop someone in their tracks, but while you can design to create, it is also important to remember that you can create to inspire.

Advisor/Mentor

Jim Bryant; Scott Cooke; Nicole Hand

Description

Learning Different is a branding and product design project for at-home learning aids that explore inclusive design principles and raise awareness of consistent education opportunities for children that are part of the neurodivergent and special needs community. These concepts are explored in multiple mediums combined with graphic design including screenprinting, book binding, digital fabrication and product design. The goal of Learning Different was the observation of tan issue facing many children and families and creating a solution to that issue. In the process, this also became a project to inspire others and other creatives that helping find a solution to a problem can always start with just one minor solution and some compassion for others.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Miget, Randi N., "Learning Different" (2025). B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498). 166.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art498/166