"The Engagement Equation" AP Research Thesis

organization:

pine view school

category:

Academics

role:

researcher, author

Year:

2024-2025

Overview

I conducted a mixed-methods experimental study examining how typography, layout, and color strategies influence engagement and retention in a business-education magazine for FSU undergraduates. I designed 12 controlled spreads, distributed a randomized digital survey, and analyzed recall and appeal data to determine which visual elements were most effective.

Reporting and Writing

For AP Research, I authored a 5,000-word academic paper investigating how specific design strategies influence engagement and retention in a business-education magazine for FSU undergraduates. The study required extensive synthesis, clear methodology, and structured data analysis.

design

I designed 12 original magazine spreads in Adobe InDesign, intentionally manipulating typography, layout structure, and color schemes to isolate their impact on reader engagement. Each spread served as a controlled variable within the experiment while maintaining consistent written content.

web and social media

To recruit participants, I designed a digital promotional flyer and distributed the survey through online platforms targeting FSU undergraduates. The project relied on digital outreach and web-based data collection to secure randomized responses.

Marketing and
Audience Engagement

Through a randomized survey distributed to FSU undergraduates, I measured recall, appeal, and perceived trust across 12 manipulated magazine spreads. The project analyzed which typography, layout, and colors most effectively increased engagement and retention.

personal growth

This project transformed how I think about media. Instead of designing based on instinct alone, I learned to ground creative decisions in measurable audience behavior. Despite challenges with recruitment and sample size, the data reinforced that intentional, research-backed design drives engagement. It strengthened my confidence not just as a designer, but as a media strategist.