http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/83402 This collection holds UW-Stout Masters Theses within the Creative Thesis format. A selection of theses cannot be published and must be requested from the archives. Contact archives@uwstout.edu for access. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:01:37 GMT 2026-04-08T14:01:37Z https://minds.wisconsin.edu:443/bitstream/id/767bef6d-e34f-4cec-be43-37d1077672db/ http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/83402 http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95968 Teacher as Designer: Understanding Planning as a Designerly Act White, Andrea Kaye This study investigates how postsecondary faculty approach course planning and how their efforts might be supported by digital workflow tools that reflect design methods—recognizing teachers as designers of learning experiences. Today, planning often takes place within layered, complex contexts marked by cognitive overload, institutional constraints, and tool limitations. This research explored how educators already engage in design-like practices, what challenges shape their planning, and what features could better support reflective, iterative teaching. Grounded in Rittel & Webber’s framing of wicked problems, Schön’s theory of reflective practice, and Cross’s concept of designerly knowledge, the study connects these ideas to educational concerns such as collaboration, professional identity, and the pursuit of meaning in teaching. Insights were generated through a survey of 35 design faculty, co-design workshops with 13 educators, and a research-through-design process involving persona development, low- fidelity interface wireframes, and a business model. Findings suggest that faculty in all disciplines are already engaging in design-like activity when planning as they interpret constraints, generate ideas, and iterate solutions. These practices affirm their role as designers of learning and point to the need for tools that better support reflective, iterative work. Because teaching is shaped by varied institutional and individual factors, tools must also be flexible and context-aware. Finally, faculty were able to articulate their desire for specific, meaningful software features, highlighting the potential for co-designed tools that honor the complexity of teaching while reducing cognitive burden and enhancing professional satisfaction. Creative Thesis Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95968 2025-07-24T00:00:00Z http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95579 No Word for Art: Discovering Hmong Creatives Through Multimedia Forms Yang, Pang C. MAJOUR is a six-part docuseries, accompanied by a set of print magazines, that highlights the stories of six Hmong creatives from Wisconsin and Minnesota—each with a distinct personal and artistic background. Through intimate, first-person narratives, these individuals share their journeys into the creative world, reflecting on the cultural significance and personal meaning of their work as Hmong artists. This creative thesis project not only provides a platform for Hmong voices in the arts but also functions as a cultural archive—an especially meaningful effort given that “the Hmong has traditionally been an oral culture with no written language prior to the 1950s” (Yang, 2024). By amplifying these underrepresented perspectives, MAJOUR aims to foster greater visibility, understanding, and acceptance of creative careers within the Hmong community and beyond Creative Thesis Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95579 2025-04-28T00:00:00Z http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95571 Words Fail Karbowski, Arthur P. Axiomatic reasoning is a form of logical operation with which scientific theory and technological advancement have been developed in our society. An axiom is some fact or idea that is assumed to be true. Several thinkers fall into the trap of allowing their personally held axioms to influence their work. They have made assumptions about the results they want and then worked backwards from desired results to prove their theory. An individuals personally held axioms are evident in everything that they say. Any statement of unequivocal facts by an individual usually can be a good indication of their privately held assumptions. As we progress it becomes more and more clear how little we understand about reality. A statement like “Reality is...xyz” as opposed to “I think reality is...abc” highlights the speaker’s lack of awareness of these principles. I believe we need to listen more carefully and pay closer attention to our human society to continue into the future. A good “setup” is a great platform for listening, metaphorically speaking. Creative Thesis Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95571 2025-05-14T00:00:00Z http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95563 Reverse Engineering Sustainability in Fashion Coulibaly, Yasmine K. The fashion industry is at a pivotal juncture where sustainability and innovation are no longer optional but essential imperatives as consumers increasingly demand accountability for the environmental and ethical impact of the products sold to them. This project explores sustainability-focused design techniques, materials, and technological advancements that address environmental and ethical challenges in the industry. Asserting that adaptability mechanisms in fashion promote longevity of wear, this study begins by exploring the history of one-size fashion, then delves into examples of contemporary one-size fashion designers. This is followed by an analysis of textiles, highlighting regenerated fibers, biodegradable fabrics, and innovations for circular design that balance durability with environmental and social justice. The thesis then investigates design strategies that incorporate modularity, durability, and adjustability to extend the lifespan of garments and reduce waste. A key component of the research delves into the potential of one-size-fits-most fashion as a sustainable alternative to traditional sizing systems. By leveraging adjustability features, this approach minimizes production redundancies and addresses diverse consumer needs. This study also highlights the role of digital tools like Clo3D in prototyping, fine-tuning, and visualization, enabling designers to iterate rapidly in a virtual setting. Integrating these components – from design techniques and materials to advanced digital methodologies – the study proposes a comprehensive framework for ethical and environmentally-conscious fashion design. This framework aims to inspire a shift toward scalable, sustainability-focused practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, social justice, and inclusivity, ensuring the industry’s relevance in an increasingly resource-constrained future. Creative Thesis Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95563 2025-05-15T00:00:00Z