ABOUT

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GRAPHIC DESIGN

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PAINTING

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PRINT MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY

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SCULPTURE

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VISUAL NARRATIVE

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@bu_visualarts

@bu_graphicdesign

@bostonpainting

@pmp.bu
@bostonsculpture
@buvisualnarrative

@jingyizhangv
jingyizhangv.com

she/her

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Jingyi Zhang
REDEFINING DESIGN THROUGH NON-TRADITIONAL DESIGN AND UNCONVENTIONAL TOOLS

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Design has traditionally been guided by structured systems such as grids, which are often seen as necessary to achieve balance and order. However, I have always been drawn to a more visual and free-flowing approach, avoiding rigid systems such as grids and experimenting with alternative methods. In China, logical thinking was very important since primary school, but I always struggled with this, especially in exams that required strict logic. This personal challenge has deeply influenced my view of design, prompting me to explore ways to break out of the traditional logical framework.

My thesis investigated how breaking down traditional design systems, such as grids, can lead to more creative and expressive outcomes. My goal was to challenge the notion that design must always follow strict rules, and instead explore how new tools and materials can contribute to organic, emotional, and innovative design. For example, one of my projects uses TouchDesigner to map audio-responsive visuals onto plates, visualizing music as spiritual food. This project transformed a purely auditory experience into a multi-sensory one, merging technology with metaphorical storytelling. Another project incorporates Risograph printing, combining tactile, hands-on techniques with bold visual experimentation, highlighting the potential of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern tools.

This thesis reflects my belief that design does not have to conform to traditional rules to be meaningful. By embracing experimentation and exploring non-linear tools and materials, I aim to redefine the way design connects with its audience. My work emphasizes how abandoning traditional systems opens up new possibilities for creative expression, inspiring others to go beyond the boundaries of traditional design. Ultimately, my research contributes to the field by encouraging a more fluid and intuitive approach to design, where tools and systems are not constraints but starting points for innovation.

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