CURIO
A Visual Identity for Family Curiosity in Art Museums
A Visual Identity for Family Curiosity in Art Museums
Curio is a brand identity created for my UC Berkeley Master's thesis, which explores ways to make art museums more engaging for families. Through vibrant colors, playful forms, and a companion character, I designed an approachable visual system that inspires curiosity, exploration, and meaningful connections with art.
Curio is a brand identity created for my UC Berkeley Master's thesis, which explores ways to make art museums more engaging for families. Through vibrant colors, playful forms, and a companion character, I designed an approachable visual system that inspires curiosity, exploration, and meaningful connections with art.
Disciplines
Disciplines
Brand Design
Animation
Brand Design
Animation
Tools
Tools
Adobe After Effect
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe After Effect
Adobe Illustrator
A Visual System For Thesis Project at UC Berkeley's Master of Design Program
A Visual System For Thesis Project at UC Berkeley's Master of Design Program
The name Curio combines curiosity and collaboration, reflecting the core idea of the project: empowering children to lead family interactions in art museums. This thesis explores how thoughtfully designed tools can foster deeper engagement, sustained attention, and collaborative learning between children and their families.
The visual identity is built around rounded forms, vibrant colors, and a playful character system. The soft shapes create an approachable and welcoming experience, while the colorful palette encourages creativity, exploration, and play. Integrated throughout the brand, the companion character symbolizes children as active participants and leaders in the museum experience, reinforcing the project's mission of child-led discovery.
The name Curio combines curiosity and collaboration, reflecting the core idea of the project: empowering children to lead family interactions in art museums. This thesis explores how thoughtfully designed tools can foster deeper engagement, sustained attention, and collaborative learning between children and their families.
The visual identity is built around rounded forms, vibrant colors, and a playful character system. The soft shapes create an approachable and welcoming experience, while the colorful palette encourages creativity, exploration, and play. Integrated throughout the brand, the companion character symbolizes children as active participants and leaders in the museum experience, reinforcing the project's mission of child-led discovery.
Empowering Young Curators Through Interactive DIY Kits
Empowering Young Curators Through Interactive DIY Kits
As part of this visual system, I designed a series of DIY activity kits that empower children to take the lead in museum exploration. Prototype testing at SFMOMA and the San Francisco Public Library revealed strong engagement with the toolkit's tactile and visual elements. Designed as a connected system, the kits encourage children to become active participants and curators of their own learning journey, transforming museum visits into interactive and meaningful experiences.
As part of this visual system, I designed a series of DIY activity kits that empower children to take the lead in museum exploration. Prototype testing at SFMOMA and the San Francisco Public Library revealed strong engagement with the toolkit's tactile and visual elements. Designed as a connected system, the kits encourage children to become active participants and curators of their own learning journey, transforming museum visits into interactive and meaningful experiences.
REFLECTION & LEARNING
REFLECTION & LEARNING
During this six-month thesis project, my thesis partner and I consulted with more than 13 experts from SFMOMA, the Exploratorium, the Museum of Craft and Design, and UC Berkeley, as well as families from diverse communities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the opportunity to learn from people with different perspectives. I enjoyed listening to the experiences of museum professionals, educators, and families, and I found excitement in uncovering insights through academic research. These conversations broadened my understanding of accessibility, learning, and engagement, while reinforcing my belief that thoughtful design can make art more meaningful and accessible to a wider audience.
During this six-month thesis project, my thesis partner and I consulted with more than 13 experts from SFMOMA, the Exploratorium, the Museum of Craft and Design, and UC Berkeley, as well as families from diverse communities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the opportunity to learn from people with different perspectives. I enjoyed listening to the experiences of museum professionals, educators, and families, and I found excitement in uncovering insights through academic research. These conversations broadened my understanding of accessibility, learning, and engagement, while reinforcing my belief that thoughtful design can make art more meaningful and accessible to a wider audience.
