Design | Disrupt | Iterate

I am Daniel Opoku, originally from Ghana, and my journey has been shaped by a blend of personal passion and my father’s influence. Growing up, I never considered pursuing higher education in the arts due to the societal stereotype that artists weren’t scholars. The common belief was that pursuing a career in Visual Art wasn’t a path for academic success. However, my father, who was a pathologist assistant and director of a blood bank at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana, encouraged me to follow my passions. Though he dreamed of me donning a white lab coat, much like his own, his counsel was both a bitter pill and the right advice. “Science is mathematics,” he would say, especially given my academic struggles with math during my early school years. Yet, despite the pressure, I chose to follow my passion for art. “You love to draw,” he pointed out. “All your teachers have acknowledged that.”

In our household, technology was a rarity. We didn’t own a computer, as they were simply too expensive, and the internet remained a mystery to me. My father, however, had an old typewriter, which he used to complete distance education courses by mail, receiving assignments and books from a university in England. His commitment was admirable, as it took him years to finish what should have been a one-year program. In the evenings, the noise of the typewriter filled the house as he painstakingly typed out responses to his professors or personal letters. I remember finding his process both frustrating and fascinating. If he made a mistake, the entire page had to be retyped—a sharp contrast to the instant edits we now make on digital devices.

When computers became more accessible, my father bought me an Acer and enrolled me in computer classes, with the hope that I would teach him how to use it. I was just 15 at the time, and my interest in technology quickly grew. I began using Encyclopedia Britannica for research, while secretly indulging in games and Microsoft Paint—which eventually led to my fascination with software development. Even though I tried to help him, my father never quite took to the computer, struggling to adapt to the digital world. Meanwhile, I continued to explore new creative realms, leveraging the digital space to fuel my passion for graphic design.

Today, I’m pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at Ohio University, where my thesis explores Ethnomathematics and its ties to native Ghanaian cultural mathematics. Through this work, I aim to understand the challenges I faced in subjects like mathematics, while also reflecting on how digital product and user experience design can serve social needs. My practice is rooted in the tension between functionality and aesthetics, working to address real-world problems through accessible design solutions. I use methods like mind mapping, user interviews, and community engagement to transform abstract concepts into tangible solutions that empower marginalized communities.

As a UX/UI Design Researcher, I am committed to designing with intention, always striving to challenge my skills and remain relevant in an evolving field. I firmly believe in the decentralization of data and the democratization of Artificial Intelligence, both of which are shaping new paths in the design industry. My background, from a BA in Communication Design to a Software Development Certificate and a Visual Arts Management Certificate, equips me with the diverse skill set needed to navigate and innovate in the future of design.

I look forward to continuing to merge functionality with creativity, blending my academic background with my passion for accessible, community-driven design solutions.

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The Evolving Role of Graphic Designers in a Complex World‍

As the world grows increasingly complex, the role of graphic designers has expanded far beyond computer graphics. The complexities of modern life can often be addressed by creating human-centered solutions, and no one is more equipped to tackle these challenges than designers. Design has the unique ability to bring order to chaos—transforming complexity into simplicity and efficiency. This power positions designers as potential social innovators, capable of shaping the future in profound ways.

Today, design is not just about creating aesthetic visuals or advertising campaigns; it’s about addressing social issues and solving real-world problems. To truly excel, designers must go beyond their creative instincts and embrace the power of research. Conducting and synthesizing research—including tools like market research, field ethnography, and collaborative analysis—is essential to understanding user needs. Integrating this feedback into the design process is key to creating solutions that are both impactful and user-centered.

In today’s digital age, user experience has become a central factor in evaluating products and services. Poor user reviews on platforms like social media can significantly harm a business’s reputation, often leading to its downfall. This reinforces the importance of user satisfaction and proves the validity of Thomas Watson Jr.'s words: “Good design is good business.” However, it’s important to note that designers do not simply cater to users’ every whim nor manipulate them. Instead, by understanding user needs and anticipating their expectations, designers can create meaningful experiences while retaining the creative freedom to express themselves as artists.

The future of design remains uncertain, especially as the digital environment continues to evolve. As we rely more on technology, we may see the effects of digital over-saturation—reduced brainpower, increased distractions, and decreased productivity. Designers will face the challenge of finding creative solutions to these new digital pollutions. Yet, in the face of these challenges, I encourage designers to preserve traditional design methods, such as letterpress and printmaking. These timeless practices remain essential for documenting our journey and preserving the stories of our history in a tangible, meaningful way.

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