Kaleidoscope Student Show Highlights Student Creativity

Curated by SIGD faculty and evaluated by a panel of design professionals, this year’s Kaleidoscope built on the success of last year’s inaugural event, offering a dynamic showcase of student work across disciplines and year levels.

“Kaleidoscope is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the breadth and depth of creativity in our programs,” said SIGD School Head Wei Wang. “The energy and engagement we’ve seen this year affirm the strength of our community and the impact of SIGD, which is especially meaningful as we prepare to celebrate our 80^th anniversary this fall.”

In honor of SIGD’s eight decades of creativity, community and forward-thinking design, Wang commissioned Graphic Design alum Will Dove ‘11 to create a visual identity for the year-long celebration. Event details will be announced soon.

A Showcase of Innovation and Skill

Hundreds of projects lined the walls for this year’s Kaleidoscope, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the talents of SIGD students. Work from Pre-Graphic Design (PGDE), Graphic Design (GDES) and Master of Industrial Design (MID) students filled the first floor, while Industrial Design (INDD) projects—including senior thesis studios like FretHaus—were exhibited on the second floor.

Projects on display spanned a wide variety of disciplines: typography, brand identity, publication design, motion graphics, UI/UX and product and service design.

SIGD Advisory Council members served as jurors, evaluating more than 500 student projects. Each juror selected a standout project, with winners receiving custom-designed awards and book prizes chosen by the council.

Among those honored was Graphic Design junior Aaliyah Williams, who was recognized for tourism app Univa. Completed in Associate Professor Courtney Windham’s interactive media studio, Univa connects travelers with service opportunities, safe accommodations and local adventures in the Dominican Republic.

“Kaleidoscope gave me the opportunity to showcase my work in a space where it could truly be seen and felt,” said Williams. “To know that my work was meaningful and inspiring enough to receive an award means more than I can express. It was an experience that reminded me of why I pour so much of myself into what I create—to move people and to leave a lasting impression.”

Gabe Robinson, a junior in Industrial Design, was recognized for The Early Worm Gets the Bird, a mechanical toy completed in Associate Professor Jerrod Windham’s product design studio.

“I’m truly honored to have received a Kaleidoscope Design Award,” Robinson shared. “This show is such a special celebration of creativity, curiosity and the joy of making. To be recognized among so many inspiring designers is incredibly meaningful, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of a community that values imagination and hands-on experimentation.”

Anna Myers, a Graphic Design sophomore, echoed Robinson’s sentiment, stating, “Winning this award and being a part of such an incredible community like the CADC has meant so much to me. Getting to experience the Kaleidoscope show is always a great way to celebrate everyone’s hard work from the past year, and seeing so many people come out and show their support is an incredible feeling! I can’t wait for many more to come!”

Strengthening Industry and Alumni Connections

Beyond the exhibition, Kaleidoscope continued to serve as a hub for professional engagement. SIGD hosted portfolio reviews between students and design professionals, providing invaluable real-world feedback, and an alumni reunion offered graduates a chance to reconnect, network and explore the latest student work. That sense of connection and celebration resonated with alumni and industry leaders alike.

Dorsey Cox ’85, a member of the SIGD Advisory Council, appreciated the event’s multifaceted value, sharing, “For the last two years, Kaleidoscope has acknowledged the importance of celebrating the outstanding work of Auburn design students, the hard work and enthusiasm of the professional faculty, the vision and direction from the School’s leadership and the willing support of the SIGD Advisory Council. Friends and family of SIGD students now understand what design is, and their pride will communicate this excellence to the world!”

The event was sponsored by a range of industry partners:

• With over 40 brands, PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the word by advancing play through research, programs and partnerships. Tom Norquist, Playcore Senior Vice President of Innovation & Business Development, has been co-teaching design studios at Auburn as a Professor of Practice since 2019.
• Copperwing Design, founded by Auburn Graphic Design graduate Angela Stiff ’91, is an experienced branding, marketing and motion creative group. SIGD Advisory Council member Avery Dove ’18 currently serves as Graphic Designer and Motion Designer at Copperwing.
• Yotrio Group, founded in 1992, is an industry leader in the development and implementation of innovative outdoor furniture. Yotrio’s Executive Vice President of Design is Wright Currie, a 2008 Industrial Design alum.
• Derse specializes in the planning and production of exhibits, events and marketing environments. Industrial Design alum Daniel Lamb ’08 currently serves as Creative Director at Derse.
• ROBRADY, a multi-disciplined product design and development studio, was founded by Industrial Design alum Rob Brady ’84.
• Brand Neue, a graphic design and digital marketing agency, is co-led by partner and Executive Creative Director Joey Graddy ’00, a member of the SIGD Advisory Council. Lane Mullins ’22, an alumnus of Graphic Design, serves as Art Director.

Driven by Collaboration

As in its inaugural year, the success of Kaleidoscope 2025 was a true team effort. Building on the foundation of last year’s visual identity, faculty refreshed and expanded the Kaleidoscope brand to bring renewed energy to the show’s second year—this time leaning more heavily into the kaleidoscope effect as both a visual and conceptual anchor.

Assistant Professor Mario Bocanegra once again led the development of the visual identity and design system, collaborating with SIGD faculty across programs to craft a cohesive suite of promotional materials in both print and digital formats. He developed the poster, motion assets, lanyards, social media graphics and wayfinding system. The program was a joint effort between Bocanegra and Courtney Windham, with support from Graphic Design student Morgan Lockhart ’25, who also designed the event stickers. Assistant Professor Devon Ward designed the website and updated the online gallery. Wayfinding signage was assembled and installed by Bocanegra, Jerrod Windham, Associate Professor David Smith and a team of Industrial Design student volunteers.

While many core design elements remained consistent, subtle updates were introduced to refine the look and feel. The signature extruded plus sign returned, reimagined through motion experimentation into a dynamic kaleidoscope pattern that became the backbone of the entire design system. The color palette was inverted—green moved into the background, while white took center stage, with occasional variations for clarity and emphasis. Wayfinding signage echoed the kaleidoscope pattern, incorporating hidden arrows and negative space to add an extra layer of discovery.

Looking Ahead

With its growing reach and reputation, Kaleidoscope continues to position SIGD students for success and connection beyond the classroom.

“Through Kaleidoscope, we’re not only celebrating exceptional student work—we’re building a strong, supportive design community that bridges programs, industries and generations,” said Wang. “We’re excited to keep raising the bar and showcasing the incredible talent coming out of Auburn.”

Kaleidoscope 2025 Awards

GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARDS

Ellie Hobbs: Drawing 11 (Foundation Drawing)
Rachel Hooks: 4 Module Pattern (Foundation Design I)
Chloe Knight: 2D Grid Collage (Foundation Design II)
Kylie LaRosa: House of Cards (Graphic Processes)
Anna Myers: Typography In Ten Forms (Typographics I)
Campbell Collins: Identity Design: Graz, Australia (Intro to Graphic Design)
Jay Denning and Holleigh Colvin: Trout of This World! (Graphic Design History)
Carly DeSimone: Design Fiction: 2046, Haven (Advanced Interactive Media)
Jordan Harmon: Orange Experimental Concert Intro (Kinetic Type)
Aaliyah Williams: Univa Tourism App (Interactive Media)
Mekhi Kalil: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Typographics II)
Emiko Benton: Marsh Match (Image I)
Yeeun Cho, Cecilia Hoffpauir, Tabatha Tolbert and Maria Rumore: Wild Alchemy (Special Topics: Bio Design)
Ella Bryant: Stems (Graphic Design I)
Emma Crawford: Ralph Lauren: The Father of American Fashion (Graphic Design II)
Lauren Jernigan: Four Eyes (Senior Project)

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AWARDS

Sean Hartmann: Making Shapes Speak (Design Principles)
Marcello Mancusi: Outside In (Tabletop Clock) (Design Principles)
Emma Guthrie: Mobile (Gesture–Structure–Kinetics) (Design Principles)
Madison Gilliam: Sneakers: More on Pattern (Sneaker Design)
Dawson Emerson: Sneakers: kamikakushi (Sneaker Design)
Brooks Moore: Automata: Space Chase (Product Design)
Gabe Robinson: Automata: The Early Worm Gets the Bird (Product Design)
Tyler Mullinax: Rover’s Raceway (Product Design)
Lana Ha: Roly Poultry (Product Design)
Ben Piett, Sabrina LaFaye and Avery Heath: SIGD Studio Culture Research (SIGD Culture Studio)
Conner McLemore: Harbor Lighthouse (PlayCore Studio)
Kylie Hattery: Origami Wetlands (PlayCore Studio)
Noah Swaim: Mandarin (FretHaus Studio)
Cody Fuller: Fluxtone (FretHaus Studio)
Xilin Tang: AI in Design Process (Master of Industrial Design Thesis)