Visualizing Family Communication
Translating Theory Into Visual Learning Tools
What This Experience Was
In the fall of 2025, I completed an Honors contract in my Family Communications course. For this project, I created three infographics that translated key family communication theories into accessible and visually engaging tools for people to learn from. The theories I covered were Communicated Narrative Sense-Making Theory, Communication Privacy Management Theory, and Communication Theory of Resilience.
Instead of simply writing a research paper, I wanted to use my skills in design and research to create something beyond just plain text. My goal was to showcase a deep understanding of each theory and present the information in a way that those not familiar with communication studies could easily digest and apply. Each infographic highlights the founder of each theory, key concepts, real-world examples, and practical suggestions within the family context.
This project is one of my most meaningful honors experiences because I was able to combine my knowledge and understanding of communication theory, research, and design to create three pieces of content that visually communicate important and meaningful material to the understanding of family functions. This reflects my growth as a Communication Studies Major who values turning complex ideas into more practical and impactful ones that broader audiences can use to better not only their own lives, but the world around us.
Skills Developed
This Honors experience allowed me to strengthen my ability to analyze complex academic topics, research, and translate them into meaningful content. I had to break down heavy theoretical language with each of the three theories while still maintaining the accuracy of what is being relayed. To do this, I had to identify each theory's core concepts and make intentional decisions about what information is best to support each idea.
One of the biggest skills developed was transforming scholarly material into clear, audience-centered explanations that the average person could learn from. I find it important within my field to educate those about the communicative processes that shape our everyday realities as human beings.
The design process strengthened my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills as I was creating these infographics with no rubric to follow. I had to create a structure that followed important design elements like layout, hierarchy, and visual flow.
Overall, I developed a stronger confidence in my ability to integrate research, creativity, and strategy to create intentional and professional work.
How This Experience Shaped My Growth
Throughout this Honors project, I was able to grow not only as an academic thinker but as a professional, too. It allowed me to understand communication as an active tool that shapes one's identity, resilience, and relationships. Through my research and the overall design of the infographic, there's a shared understanding that communication creates meaning. The biggest growth I experienced was learning that I am capable of taking these complex theories and deciphering what matters most, to present the ideas in a way that is both accurate and accessible to those outside of a communication studies background. This reinforced to me that being an Honors student entails creating intentional work that is valuable and thoughtful towards society. Overall, this experience exemplifies the kind of communicator and professional that I am becoming and the commitment I have to creating a strategic, accurate, and meaningful understanding of the communication that shapes human reality.