MDM640 Week 2
The Importance of
Visual Design Testing
Visual design testing is essential in ensuring that a design solution not only appeals aesthetically but also functions effectively for its intended audience. It serves to validate whether users interpret and interact with design elements as intended, reducing the influence of assumptions and cognitive biases in decision-making. According to Chan (2024), user testing methods such as A/B testing, eye tracking, and preference testing help measure first impressions and emotional responses, highlighting the interplay between aesthetics and usability.
Design teams often carry subconscious biases rooted in personal experience, which can impact creative decisions. Full Sail University (2025) emphasizes the need to identify and test these assumptions to transform speculative ideas into validated insights. By doing so, designers shift from intuition-driven processes to evidence-based decision-making. This method not only improves the quality of outcomes but also strengthens alignment with client goals and user needs.
Moreover, iterative feedback loops—such as those described by Nice (2020)—bridge the gap between subjective creativity and objective functionality. Through continuous user input, designers can refine their work to achieve greater clarity, emotional resonance, and usability. This iterative approach ensures that branding efforts meet strategic objectives while fostering authentic audience engagement.
In summary, visual design testing transforms speculative design into purpose-driven outcomes. It enhances the reliability of design decisions, reduces bias, and ensures that both client and user needs are addressed effectively through research-backed validation.
References
Chan, M. (2024, December 13). Testing visual design: A comprehensive guide. Nielsen Norman Group. https://www.nngroup.com/articles/testing-visual-design/
Full Sail University. (2025). Case study: Testing design effectiveness. Full Sail University. https://online.fullsail.edu/class_sections/222747/modules/866518/activities/4967344
Nice, B. (2020, July 27). How to test visual design. Medium. https://medium.com/level-up-web/how-to-test-visual-design-65fffc518820
Updated
Brand Vision Board
This version is based on detailed feedback by Dr. Colleen Cleveland on June 14, 2025.
Previous Version
Current Updated Version
Style Guide Pages 1 through 21
LEFT PAGE (pg. 3): The “Publication Information” section currently contains placeholder text. Once the Playbook is finished, this section will be populated with real information.
There are several blank pages, but I have it outlined and now I am filling those pages one section at a time. The total outline that I currently have is 34 pages which includes the front and back covers.