Dezeen School Shows: a zine exploring LGBTQ+ communities in the US is among the projects from University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Also featured is a children's book on bird conservation and a platform created to celebrate Las Vegas' vintage fashion community.

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Institution: University of Nevada Las Vegas
School: Graphic Design and Media
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong, Katherine Farley and Kayla Lockwood

School statement:

"Graphic Design Capstone is where students bring together everything they have learned to create self-directed thesis projects that tackle real-world challenges.

"Through in-depth research, ideation and iteration, students develop design solutions that reflect their interests and creative voice.

"Each project demonstrates advanced technical skill, strong conceptual thinking and a thoughtful approach to design research."

Pawfirm by Anika Kan

"Self-worth is essential to mental wellbeing, yet it's often overlooked with apps focusing on productivity and habit tracking.

"My thesis explores how design – particularly through cuteness and emotional interactivity – can create a more engaging and supportive space for people struggling with low self-esteem.

"I designed an interactive app featuring a customisable virtual pet that supports users through daily emotional check-ins and therapeutic activities.

"Features like a 'jar of strengths', personal note reflections and a daily path calendar that guides users toward recognising their value and personal progress.

"The use of cuteness, personalisation and calming visuals makes the experience emotionally accessible, helping users nurture their self-esteem with small, meaningful steps."

Student: Anika Kan
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood

Cheerity by Ann Wong

"Many people in the United States have difficulty finding places to exercise, which causes inconvenience to those who want to exercise, leading to it becoming one of the main factors that reduces active participation in exercise.

"Cheerity aims to give people the choice of finding more venues, no longer limited to well-known gyms.

"Provide prices and information directly and effectively, also create social connections between people and people."

Student: Ann Wong
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood

Munchki by Ashley Williams

"The aim for this project was to utilise a combination of product and UI/UX application design, to provide a unique interactive experience for child and caregiver alike.

"The project intends to promote and encourage the autonomous development of daily routines and healthy habits, in order to prevent the development of mental disorders like anxiety and depression."

Student: Ashley Williams
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood

Medipals by Audrey Carolina Rosas Lee

"With increasing cases of diabetes, especially among younger people, early intervention and treatment are key to preventing severe complications later on.

"However, most diabetes organisations focus on older people, from the design to the presentation of information.

"The goal of this project is to create a source for diabetes education to reduce stigma by connecting younger people through effective design."

Student: Audrey Carolina Rosas Lee
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood

Sora by Christina Ng

"The bird mortality rate has been increasing, negatively affecting our ecosystem, as they help us through pollination, pest control and reforestation.

"'Sora', Students of Ornithology Respecting Avians, a conservation organisation dedicated in order to protect and spread awareness about birds.

"The organisation's mission is to spark children's interests in birds so that they can develop a close relationship with nature and have a sense of responsibility to protect the environment.

"The main piece of the capstone is a children's book called, 'Let's Go Birdwatching', which follows Rosie, Ben and Joe on their day of birding."

Student: Christina Ng
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood

Good Habits by Daniel Casuso

"Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, with over 40 million tons of plastic waste generated annually in the US, much of it from single-use items.

"Despite growing awareness, convenience-driven consumption and a lack of effective alternatives to keep plastic usage high.

"Eco-conscious consumers need clearer incentives, practical solutions and need engaging visuals to shift toward sustainable behaviour."

Student: Daniel Casuso
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood
Email: danielpeondesign[at]gmail.com

777 Vintage Market by Eddy Guinto

"A recurring theme in interviews was the desire for more community engagement through events that bring together like-minded creatives.

"This insight led to the creation of the 777 Vintage Market – a platform designed to spotlight and support Las Vegas's vibrant second-hand fashion community.

"The project's goal is to bridge the gaps between the consumer and fashion reseller to spotlight Las Vegas's diverse fashion scene.

"The organisation emphasises community engagement and extravagantly shows each business's styles."

Student: Eddy Guinto
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood
Email: eddyguinto[at]gmail.com

Intl Esports Association by Eunice Cortez

"With IEA, the goal was to design a solution that simplifies how people interact with esports content by creating a centralised and user-friendly experience.

"Rather than relying on scattered platforms and inconsistent updates across divergent games and leagues, the project aims to build a space where everything about esports, from games, teams, leagues and news, lives in one cohesive environment.

"The website layout and brand system were developed to mirror the clarity and professionalism seen in traditional sports platforms."

Student: Eunice Cortez
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood

Purely by Joshua Viray

"'Purely', aims to address the harmful impact of plastic by introducing more environmentally cautious packaging solutions.

"By transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives such as aluminium, biodegradable materials and reusable packaging, we seek to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the negative consequences of plastic pollution.

"By raising awareness, creating alternatives and driving meaningful change, 'Purely' strives to pave the way toward a cleaner, greener future for generations to come."

Student: Joshua Viray
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Katherine Farley, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood

UV Archives by Guia Aniceto

"LGBTQ+ education has been getting its foot in the door. In the United States, LGBTQ+ advocates and allies have pushed for greater awareness of LGBTQ+ history and themes in education.

"However, even among LGBTQ+ adults, many of them don't get an education within K-12 schooling.

"UV Archives is one of many organisations, both on and offline, that could provide a way for younger people to start getting into the history of the LGBTQ+ community and the people within it.

"UV Archives provides a service that introduces not only the stories of LGBTQ+ people but also local and national resources, other educational material and a way to start engaging in a broader community.

"Through the zine, the project aims to show how the LGBTQ+ community is rooted in connection, love and the relentless decision to come together and create spaces for themselves."

Student: Guia Aniceto
Course: Graphic Design Capstone
Tutors: Ashley Doughty, Michael Fong and Kayla Lockwood
Email: guia.aniceto.design[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and University of Nevada Las Vegas. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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