MFA Thesis_ ME,I Sex Education

ME,I SEX EDUCATION

Xiyu (Kimberley) Zhang

Instructor / Laurie Makela

ME,I SEX EDUCATION

Xiyu (Kimberley) Zhang

Instructor / Laurie Makela

[00] INTRODUCTION // 02 - 03

RESEARCH // 04 - 37 [02] VISUAL IDENTITY // 38 - 79 [03] DELIVERABLES // 80 - 187 [04] FUTURE DEVELOPMENT // 188 - 195

In a world where education evolves rapidly, the need for comprehensive sex education is particularly pressing in societies with traditional values. This thesis, aims to bridge the significant gap in sex education for Chinese teenagers through innovative graphic design products. It introduces a sex education program brand: ME,I Sex Education. There are three key deliverables on this program: an interactive sex museum, an informative guidebook for educators and parents, and a mobile app providing access to professional advice on sensitive issues. These tools are designed not only to educate but also to engage and empower their users.

The motivation behind this work is deeply personal and supported by alarming statistics that highlight the scarcity of sex education in China. Many teenagers grow up without adequate knowledge, leading to confusion and often serious consequences. This project is driven by my own experiences and the stories of those around me, underscoring the urgent need for change.

This thesis combines personal narrative with empirical research, aiming to develop resources that are both informative and accessible. By interviewing educators, parents, and teenagers, I aim to gather insights that will guide the creation of these design products, ensuring they meet the real needs of those they're intended to help.

As we navigate this process book, we explore how design can transcend communication barriers, offering new ways to approach sex education. This work is a call to action for designers and educational stakeholders to leverage the potential of graphic design in creating a future where sex education is accessible, empowering, and liberating for all teenagers.

Before starting to design an engaging and helpful sex education program for Chinese teenagers, extensive research was conducted. This included understanding the project's background, gathering insights from people involved, and interviewing the target audience. It was crucial to identify what kind of sex education help Chinese teenagers need most today. What are their preferred learning styles? What visual styles do they favor? Moreover, sex education is not just about the teenagers themselves but also involves educating their parents and schools, as well as the government bodies that create relevant policies. These research efforts ensured that the design project was highly practical and relevant.

TOPIC STATEMENT

[1]

"In 2010, the Peking University Institute of Population Studies investigated 22,288 random samples of teenagers aged 15-24 in China...Pan Suiming and Huang Yingying investigated 1593 national random samples of teenagers aged 14-17, and found that 73.5% of teenagers thought that sexual knowledge had hardly been taught in schools. 86.6% of teenagers think that they seldom get sexual knowledge from their parents.

Although school sex education has developed to some extent, it is still far from becoming compulsory education, and it is far from meeting the needs of healthy growth of teenagers (Pan Suiming, Huang Yingying, 2011: 05-09)."

Discussing sex education for Chinese teenagers, I'm reminded of a memorable moment from my childhood. Like many, I once inquisitively asked my parents about my origins. They whimsically told me that they had found me in the trash. Though humorous, this anecdote subtly mirrors the broader challenge of addressing sex education in China — a subject often considered taboo in both families and schools.

Indeed, a significant number of Chinese teenagers report a pronounced lack of sex education, with 73.5% indicating they've received no such education from their schools, and 86.6% observing scant to no conversation about it with their parents. [1]

This situation highlights a pronounced deficiency in sex education within China, underscoring the urgent need for more forthright and comprehensive discussions on this vital aspect of human development.

From this data, we can see that sex education is missing in China.

Chinese Teenagers think that they have never received any sex education from school,

73.5%

Chinese Teenagers think that they have never received any sex education from family,

86.8%

SEX EDUCATION MISSING IN

EDUCATION IS IN CHINA

Fact: Sex education is lacking in China; 73.5% of Chinese teenagers report never having received any sex education knowledge from school, while 86.6% believe they have received little to no sex education from their parents.

Problem: In China, sex education teaching methods and platforms are not sufficiently professional, making it challenging for teenagers to acquire sexual knowledge.

Goal: I plan to utilize graphic design to help Chinese teenagers to learn about sexual knowledge.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

COMPETITORS INSIGHTS

1. Cloud classroom of Netease

2. Marie Stopes China

3. Girls Protection (Wechat Program)

4. GreenXXOO (Wechat Program)

5. Protect Beans (Wechat Program)

6. Owl Sex Education Youth Camp

7. Baobei Child Sex Education Service Project (Wechat Program)

8. Not Shy Platform (Wechat Program)

9. Green Grapefruit Classroom of Sex Education (Wechat Program)

10. You're My Partner (Wechat Program)

FROM CHINA'S NGOS

Gaps

Concerning content, nearly all the NGOs dedicated to youth sex education in China offer professional courses and textbooks. Nevertheless, these resources differ significantly. They compile sex education knowledge from various professors and teachers, suggesting potential gaps in the available literature.

Regarding graphic design, most NGOs prioritize content over design aesthetics. Their designs tend to follow a template-like approach. Consequently, navigating websites or WeChat programs can pose challenges for students, teachers, or parents, hindering their ability to read or learn effectively.

Out of the six examples provided, only one is digital. Nevertheless, in today's era, an app or a website has the potential to disseminate knowledge to a wider audience compared to a book alone.

In addition to covering fundamental topics such as the basic anatomy of our bodies and sexual diseases, it is imperative to include guidance on utilizing local laws to report cases of rape within the framework of sex education literature.

FROM CHINA'S NGOS [2]

Opportunities

Regarding courses and activities, numerous NGOs have already experimented with and identified the optimal versions. Our task is simply to enhance the graphic design to make the brand or textbook more fashionable.

Presently in China, many teenagers exhibit a keen interest in sexuality but lack access to safe, professional, and legal avenues for learning about it. Utilizing graphic design appropriately could enable teenagers to independently acquire knowledge instead of relying solely on sporadic school courses or annual NGO presentations, presenting a more efficient approach.

Concerning graphic design, these six examples excel in this aspect, particularly with their use of bright and colorful color palettes. Such choices not only draw in a larger audience but also convey the message that sex is something positive, hopeful, and normal, rather than being taboo or shameful.

Regarding the types of final products, the concept of a pop-up book or a pop-up exhibition never crossed my mind until I encountered these theses. They left a significant impression on me.

GreenXXOO: Free Sex Education Class For Chinese Elementary School

DOCUMENTS INSIGHTS

https://china.unfpa.org/zh-Hans/publications/ cse/20181105

FROM DOCUMENT [3]

Introduction

This document includes all the professional and reliable data concerning the implementation of sexuality education. For instance, the use of condoms represents one of the most fundamental aspects of sex education. However, awareness regarding this matter is notably low. Only 15% of students express intention to purchase condoms when necessary, and a mere 21% report consistent condom usage during sexual activity. These statistics highlight the serious sex education problem in China.

Teenagers tend to not listen to what parents say, but strongly believe what internet say.

In creating sex education textbooks, it's crucial for designers to adopt a teenager-centric approach, ensuring the material is accessible and relatable for young learners.

https://www.youtube.com watch?v=fCZVNWpL-B4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnSs9bULY4

FROM VIDEOS [4]

Introduction

In the first video, it records the situation about a sex education summer camp. There are some interviews of students, parents and teachers. In this video, people realized that sex is not something shy or disgusting. They started look at their bodies in a different way.

In the second video, it records five different sex education textbooks from five different areas: Hongkong China, America, Germany, Japan, Mainland China. In those textbooks, the content is not that suitable and comfortable. Therefore, the textbook still need to be improved.

Insights

Activities and events serve as valuable platforms for disseminating sex education knowledge, offering interactive experiences that can enhance understanding and engagement.

In creating sex education textbooks, it's crucial for designers to adopt a teenager-centric approach, ensuring the material is accessible and relatable for young learners.

DATA INSIGHTS

An empirical analysis of the effects of sex education among adolescents aged 14-17 in China,China Youth Study,2011(8):5-9.Suiming Pan, Yingying Huang. http://qikan.cqvip.com/Qikan/ Article/Detail?id=38710374&rd=down

FROM QUANTITATIVE DATA [5]

Introduction

This figure shows, first, that of the five sex knowledge items, the average score for the crucial knowledge of contraception was the lowest, especially for adolescent girls, with an average score of only 2, which corresponds to option 2 of the quiz: "Rather wrong". Second, with the exception of menstrual knowledge, none of the other four knowledge items scored a total of 3, which is equivalent to option 3 of the quiz: "Can't say or don't know".

Insight

Chinese students hardly get a correct and full sex education from schools or parents.

FIGURE: SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE TEST SCORES OF TEENAGERS AT THE AGE OF 14-17 (1-5 POINTS)

DATA INSIGHTS

A survey on the sexual knowledge of parents of adolescent students and their attitudes towards sex education, Chin J School Doctor Feb.2005 Vol.19 No.1, Guangwei Yan http://qikan.cqvip.com/Qikan/Article/ Detail?id=12021543&from=Qikan_Search_Index

FROM QUANTITATIVE DATA

Introduction

This table reveals a significant lack of sexual health knowledge among a considerable number of parents. For instance, in terms of reproductive health, only 58.7% of parents understood that a 12-yearold girl could potentially become pregnant if she has sexual intercourse after her first menstrual period. Regarding HIV/STD prevention, half of the parents were unaware that the correct use of condoms significantly lowers the risk of contracting STDs/HIV. Moreover, 54.1% of parents did not know about the possibility of HIV transmission from mother to child, and 38.3% were unaware that sharing needles is another transmission route for HIV.

Insight

Due to the lack of comprehensive sex education among Chinese parents, it becomes challenging for Chinese teenagers to receive accurate sex education from their parents.

Questions

TABLE: CORRECT RATE OF SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE ANSWER OF 368 PARENTS

After first period, a 12-year-old girl is possible to be pregnant if she has sex

It's possible for women to be pregnant even only have sex for one time

The correct way to clean your penis

The correct way to wash a woman vulva

How HIV is transmitted

There is no cure for aids

Proper condom use can reduce the chance of contracting STDs/HIV

EXPERTS INSIGHTS

[7]

Yinhe Li is a researcher, professor and doctoral supervisor at the Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

She is the first sociologist who did research on sex in China. Also, she is a liberal feminist. D. in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, U.S.A. She was named one of the 50 most influential people in China by Asia Week in 1999.

FROM YINHE LI [7]

Main Points

She advocates the decriminalization of prostitution and the eradication of crimes against sex workers.

The crime of "public debauchery" in China's criminal law has become seriously outdated. This crime should be abolished.

She has repeatedly proposed the legalization of gay marriage.

People should face the diversity of marriage modes.

Published a pioneering gender viewpoint: marriage will eventually die Gender stereotypes are a double oppression of men and women.

In China, feminism has faced demonization. True feminism advocates for harmonious coexistence between men and women, emphasizing that anyone who supports gender equality should identify as a feminist.

Insight

Students need to understand and respect not only heterosexual communities but also homosexual, bisexual, asexual, intersex, and transgender communities.

EXPERTS INSIGHTS

Suiming Pan, born in 1950, graduated from the History Department of Northeast Normal University with a master's degree in history in 1984. He has studied in the United States and is mainly engaged in sociological research methods, sociology of sexuality and gender anthropology, and is known as "the first person in Chinese sexology".

He is currently the director of the Institute of Sociology of Sexuality at Renmin University of China, a professor and doctoral supervisor in the Department of Sociology, and the deputy secretarygeneral of the Chinese Sociological Association.

Main Points

Sex represents the pinnacle of beauty in human existence, serving as a catalyst for flourishing life and as a fundamental right.

A critique of spiritual asceticism.

Advocating for the sexual rights of socially disadvantaged groups and minorities.

Sex education should extend beyond physical aspects to encompass love, rejection, fundamental respect, and mutual consent.

The goals of sex education are twofold: to promote sexual enjoyment and to prevent sexual tragedies.

The advancement of sex sociology relies not only on academic rigor but also on the personal values of researchers.

Sex workers deserve equal and respectful treatment in research, acknowledging their humanity.

Insight

Sex education should not only include biological classes, but also some mental and moral classes.

FROM SUIMING PAN [8]

ZHANG

PERSOANS

"I was born in a rural and poor family. I have no opportunity to study and learn sex education from textbook or internet."

LILY YANG (8)

Demographics

Location: Si Chuan

Religion: None

Family: Living with parents and three brothers

Occupation: None

Income: None

Challenges

Lily doesn't attend school due to her rural, impoverished background, where her family favors boys over girls. Her brothers receive education while she remains at home to assist with household chores.

Lily has no opportunity to read latest books to learn knowledge.

Lacking a phone or computer, it's challenging for her to explore or learn via the internet.

Her sole source for sexual education could be her parents or adults in her vicinity, yet there's a general disregard for the significance of sex education in her community.

ZHANG

PERSOANS

"I have been sexually harassed many times since young. I don't know who I should talk to."

MIA CUI (14)

Demographics

Location: Hu Nan

Religion: None

Family: Living with parents

Occupation: Middle school student

Income: None

Challenges

Since sexual education is a taboo topic for teenagers in China, Mia has never discussed it with her parents at home, nor has she learned how to protect herself in school.

Due to societal constraints on women, Mia believes that experiencing sexual harassment is shameful. She doesn't dare to speak out about it.

The school's textbooks never cover sexual education, so Mia doesn't know where to seek professional help.

Mia's school lacks professional psychologists and lawyers, and she has no income, so she cannot afford to see a doctor on her own.

PERSOANS

"I am Chinese high school student. I learnt uncorrect sex knowledge from friends and internet. I want to learn more about sex education."

ANDY LI (17)

Demographics

Location: Guang Zhou

Religion: None

Family: Living at school at weekdays, with parents on weekends

Occupation: Student

Income: None

Challenges

Andy only received a bit of physical sex education during his biology classes in middle school.

Most of sex education knowledge Andy learnt is from friends and internet (porn).

As a middle school student, he often made inappropriate jokes about girls without realizing the harm he was causing. It wasn't until he watched an educational science video online that he understood the mistakes he had made. Now, he wants to learn more about sex education, but he can't get that information from school or his parents.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

PERSOANS

"As a father, I want to educate the next generation well, teaching them respect and love."

ANDREW ZHUO (31)

Demographics

Location: Bei Jing

Religion: Buddhist

Family: Living with his wife and son

Occupation: Delivery Food Company Manager

Income: $2000 / per month

Challenges

Andrew faces cultural taboos that make discussing sexual education a societal and familial challenge.

Andrew struggles to find reliable sexual education materials in Chinese due to their scarcity.

Andrew must take full responsibility for his son's sexual education because many schools do not include it in their curriculum.

Andrew finds it difficult to approach the subject of sex comfortably and sensitively due to communication barriers.

PERSOANS

"As a middle school teacher, even though I want to do something, there is no any professional tearcher training or teaching materials for me."

SUSAN JU (34)

Demographics

Location: Shanghai

Religion: None

Family: Living alone

Occupation: Chinese middle school teacher

Income: $1200 / per month

Challenges

Susan is a young teacher who always cares about her students, not only about their grades but also about their mental health.

Susan realized that more and more middle school students tend to make erotic jokes in a disrespectful way to insult classmates.

Susan found that students have no idea about different gender definitions and sexual orientations, which should be respected.

Even though Susan wants to teach students about correct sexual knowledge, there is no professional teacher training, teaching materials, or class time available.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

Chinese teenagers / Teachers / Parents

Sex education for Chinese teenagers. I want to use graphic design to help Chinese teenagers to learn more about sex education.

Adults(parents and teachers) do not get enough information to learn how to teach sex education.

The current sex education products are not creative and funny enough. Teens like learning sex knowledge in a lighthearted way.

Teenagers enjoy learning most when they are learning from peers.

Providing more resources for adults to learn how to teach sex education.

Providing more creative and funny ways for teenagers to learn sex knowledge.

Creating ways for teenagers to learn sex knowledge from other teens.

Design A guidance booklet that guiding adults how to teach sex education to teenagers

Design An illustration style sex education book with a quiz game inside, like a UNO game with questions cards.

Design A fashionable design book that sharing sex knowledge and stories among teens

STRATEGIES

Design An event that sharing sex education experience among teachers and parents

Environment

Branding A company focus on training adults to learn how to do the sex education to teens

Typography A new type system for sex education traning books

User Experience A website that providing free and professional sex education courses for parents and teachers

Packaging

The package design of teaching materials

Editorial Design A magazine that sharing sex eudcation knowledge and teaching experience among adults

Innovation A series of teaching materials and tools

Design A special summer camp about sex education for teens. You can simulate and experience real sexual crime cases through role-playing and treasure games, and learn the sexual knowledge of self-protection.

Environment

Branding A creative sex education museum for teenagers. In this museum, there are some artworks about sex. Also, you can experience escape rooms by using sex knowledge. Teens will face different sex risks in each room. They have to make the right decision.

Typography A new type system for sex education game products

User Experience A game website that simulating every sex education knowledge into a game

Packaging The package design of sex education game products

Editorial Design An experimental magazine that teenagers can collect materials from the magzine to DIY some handmade sex education products

Innovation A kit of sex education knowledge game

Environment

Design An exhibition of sex education knowledge for teens

Branding

An organizationo focus on helping teenagers' problems and worries about sex

Typography

Typeface for teens to use about sex knowledge

User Experience An APP that can learn sex knowledge as well as sharing stories and ideas among teens

Packaging

Some small and useful sex knowledge printed on teens underwear packaging

Editorial Design A magazine about sex knowledge for teens espcially

Innovation A series of sex knowledge teaching tools and game toys for teens

Audience: Chinese teenagers / Teachers / Parents

Sex Education for Chinese Teenager is a thesis that discussing how to use graphic design to provide more efficient methods for Chinese teens to learn professional sex knowledge.

MATERIALS MATRIX

A Guidance Book that teachers and parents can learn how to teach teens mental health part of sex knowledge in an appropriate and professional way. News of Sexual Assualts

Some pages show the recent sexual assault news in China. (15-20 pages)

Interviews of Sex Education Experts

Some pages show articles that interview professional sex education experts in China. (15-20 pages)

Updated Sex Knowledge

Some pages show updated sex knowledge or terms to parents and teachers, such as respecting diversity and LGBTQIA+. (5-10 pages)

Stories And Worries

Some pages show the contributed stories from parents or teachers who worry about their kids or students. At the end of each article, there will be some professional tips from sex education experts. (5-15 pages)

A Sex Museum where teenagers can learn basic sex knowledge by viewing sex artworks, movies, games and free gifts. 1'

An APP provides a consulting function to give teenagers help and guidance while encountering sexual assaults.

Icon / Posters / Banners / Product Packing

Some pages show icon design, posters, banners, and product packaging. (5-8 pages)

Exhibition Area

An exhibition area will display some artworks of sex. Some pages show the wall design, navigation design, and introducing card design. (3-5 pages)

Landing / Home / Search / Account Pages

Some pages show the home page and the welcome pages. (5 pages)

Community Pages

Some pages show the community pages and related function pages. (5-8 pages)

Movie Area

The movie area is where teenagers can watch sex education movies to learn sex knowledge. Some pages show the room design. (3 pages) Game Area

The game area is where teenagers can earn points by punching or interacting with the game squares on the wall. (8-10 pages)

Sex Theme Coffee Shop

This coffee shop is inside the sex museum. Teenagers can eat and drink in this coffee shop while visiting the museum. Some pages show the brand, banner, coffee cup, and product design. (8-10 pages)

Consulting Pages

Some pages show the consulting pagse and related function pages. (10-15 pages)

Sex Education Courses Pages

Some pages show the sex education course pages and related function pages. (5-10 pages)

My page

A number of pages that teens can check their own posts, appointments with psychologists or lawyers, courses and earned points. (5 pages)

VISUAL IDENTITY

The "ME,I Sex Education" logo consists of three main parts: square brackets, a capital letter 'M', and the project name "me,i sex education". The square brackets are composed of four colored blocks, and the capital 'M' also incorporates four colors with 12 pixel blocks distributed within it. These pixel blocks symbolize that in this project, the mosaic taboos of Chinese sex education are transformed into a colorful, pixelated gamebased learning process. The four colors represent the vibrant youthfulness of teenagers and respect for diversity. The organization name "ME,I" stands for loving one's own body and soul.

VISUAL INSPIRATION

In 2012, China Central Television used a mosaic to cover the private parts on the statue of David when reporting on an art news. This shows that, even twelve years ago, talking about sex education in China was as hidden as that mosaic.

In my project, I aim to change this uncomfortable reality. So, I turned the black and white mosaic into colorful pixels and designed a logo for a sex education program called 'Me, I Sex Education'. This is also my thesis: 'Sex Education for Chinese Teenagers.

LOGOTYPE

ME,I SEX EDUCATION

The "ME,I Sex Education" logo consists of three main parts: square brackets, a capital letter 'M', and the project name "me,i sex education". The square brackets are composed of four colored blocks, and the capital 'M' also incorporates four colors with 12 pixel blocks distributed within it. These pixel blocks symbolize that in this project, the mosaic taboos of Chinese sex education are transformed into a colorful, pixelated gamebased learning process. The four colors represent the vibrant youthfulness of teenagers and respect for diversity. The organization name "ME,I" stands for loving one's own body and soul.

ME,I SYMBOL

ME,I WORDMARK

ME,I SEX EDUCATION

The "ME,I Sex Education" wordmark is the typeface AXIS. The tracking is 150 and the size of the wordmark should always be aligned to the symbol.

Protection for teenagers; The shape looks like a vaginal, showing the origin of sex and life.

Letter "M" means "Me", empowering teens to love and respect themselves.

Four colors of dots means a redefiment of "mosaic", merging the taboo topic of sex education in China with vibrant pixel games.

It means "&"; the shape looks like a sperm, showing the origin of sex and life.

ME,I SEX EDUCATION

The selection of these four colors symbolizes not only the vibrant and cheerful spirit characteristic of youth but also underscores the importance of diversity among teenagers.

In English, it means "I"; In Chinese pronunciation, it means "love".

TYPEFACES

Title: Axis Bold

Subtitle (Quote): Pixellari Medium

Bodytext: DIN 2014 Demi

Bodytext: DIN 2014 Regular

Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz

01234567890 !@#$%^&*()

01234567890 !@#$%^&*()

COLOR PALLET

RGB - 228/287/45

CMYK - 17/30/86/0

PMS 14-0757TCX

RGB - 87/145/84

CMYK - 71/32/82/0

PMS P 154-15 U

RGB - 111/145/183

CMYK - 62/39/18/0

PMS VC7030-2

RGB - 201/76/36

CMYK - 27/83/95/0

PMS 10R/5/12

#E4BB2D

#579154

#6F91B7

#C94C24

The conceptual brand design of "ME,I Sex Education" consists of three distinctive features: First, four colors—yellow, green, blue, and red. These colors represent respect for the diversity of the world and the vibrant life of young teenagers. Second, parts of images, such as mouths and eyes, are decorated with mosaics, signifying that sex education in China still carries certain taboos. Third, small pixel blocks in these four colors are distributed around the edges of the images as decorations, symbolizing that the learning process of sex education is transforming from black-andwhite taboos into an engaging pixel game.

CONCEPT BRANDING

The conceptual brand design of "ME,I Sex Education" consists of three distinctive features: First, four colors—yellow, green, blue, and red. These colors represent respect for the diversity of the world and the vibrant life of young teenagers. Second, parts of images, such as mouths and eyes, are decorated with mosaics, signifying that sex education in China still carries certain taboos. Third, small pixel blocks in these four colors are distributed around the edges of the images as decorations, symbolizing that the learning process of sex education is transforming from black-andwhite taboos into an engaging pixel game.

ZHANG

XIYU (KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

ZHANG

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

XIYU (KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

DELIVERABLE [01] // GUIDEBOOK

The first deliverable is a Guidebook for Adults, designed for parents and teachers. It's divided into four sections:

The first section covers the latest news on sex education in China, The first part includes the latest news on sex education in China, covering frequent cases of sexual assault among teenagers. Many legal professionals are advocating for raising the age of sexual consent from 14 to 16 years old.

The second part includes interviews with Chinese LGBT organizations, detailing their challenging lives under Chinese culture and their hopes for the future.

The third section provides advanced professional knowledge on sex education.

The fourth section shares stories from parents and teachers on how to effectively teach children about sex education. The guidebook also comes with a keychain. Beneath the keychain is an advertisement that allows readers to collect coins, which can be used to purchase museum tickets and app downloads.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

DELIVERABLE [02] // APP

The second deliverable is a sex education app for teenagers. During the design process, I did the user testing with over ten people, gathering feedback from teenagers, teachers, and parents. They told me that they hope the app can be a safe and interesting platfom for teenagers to get sex education through games. It will motivate teenagers more.

There are five functional pages: Home page, Community Page, Consult Page, Course Page and ME Page.

USER JOURNEY MAP

After interviewing four Chinese teenagers, I created this user journey map and asked them several questions. For example, what kind of sex education app do you want? What design style do you like? What kind of app would motivate you to continue learning? How can we protect our privacy and safety while using the app? All their answers have greatly helped me in developing this app.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

ZHANG

DELIVERABLE [03] // SEX MUSEUM

The third deliverable is ME,I sex education museum. This museum is a place where teenagers and their parents can visit together to view exhibits and learn basic sex education knowledge. Before entering, teenagers can scan a QR code to access a Wechat mini program for the museum, which includes four interactive functions.

Teenagers can earn coins by learning knowledge and playing game at museum, compete with peers, locate coins on the map and exchange free coffee, themed pastries, keychains, and a sex education guidebook on the museum coffee shop.

In the sex museum, the Art Zone allows visitors to appreciate sexual beauty through sculptures and paintings, interacting with artworks using a touch pen on the Learning Machine. The Cinema Zone offers sex education films for teenagers and their parents. In the Entertainment Zone, kids can play educational games on a colorful mosaic wall, earning coins for completing activities. The Coffee Zone offers free coffee and interesting sex theme dessert.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

ZHANG

ZHANG

XIYU (KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

ZHANG

Before entering, teenagers can scan a QR code to access a Wechat mini program for the museum, which includes four interactive functions.

AREA [01] // SEX IS ART

In China, it is strange that parents may find it difficult to accept nude sculptures on campuses or in biology textbooks, but they can accept them as art pieces in galleries or museums. Therefore, nudity through artistic expression is a gentle and interesting way to popularize sex education. An exhibition with the theme of "sex is art" can effectively teach the medical names of basic adolescent body parts and inform them about which parts should be protected from being touched by strangers.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

ME,I LEARNING MACHINE

If it's merely about viewing artworks, what sets it apart from a typical museum experience? To foster greater interaction with teenagers and provide comprehensive sex education, I've designed the "me,i learning machine." This innovative device is composed of irregularly shaped cubes, evoking the aesthetics of a pixelated video game object or a LEGO toy.

This interactive approach aims to make learning about sex education more engaging and memorable. By combining visual, auditory, and tactile elements, the "me,i learning machine" transforms a traditional museum visit into an immersive educational experience. Teenagers can delve into the intricacies of human anatomy and sexuality in a manner that is both informative and enjoyable, ensuring that the knowledge they gain is both impactful and long-lasting.

The machine features a stylus and a pair of headphones attached to its sides, along with a screen capable of displaying interactive games and educational content. The stylus allows teenagers to explore by touching various body parts on paintings or sculptures. Upon touching these areas, the machine provides audio feedback through the headphones and presents detailed educational information on the screen.

ME,I Learning Machine Side

XIYU (KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

XIYU (KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

WECHAT MINI PROGRAM

In China, over 200 million people use WeChat, making it the most widely used chatting app. Consequently, WeChat Mini Programs have become the most popular mini-apps in the daily lives of Chinese people. Any business can develop a simple and straightforward WeChat Mini Program. Users can directly search for and connect to this app using their WeChat account.

I designed a WeChat Mini Program. Teenagers and parents can scan a QR code at the museum’s front desk to log in to this Mini Program. It has four main features: earning points by answering questions, competing with peers on a leaderboard, exploring areas using the museum map, and redeeming free gifts at the sex theme coffee shop.

Feature 1: By scanning the QR code on the ME,I Learning Machine, users can read sex education information and earn points.

Feature 2: Check your points and ranking to compete with peers on the leaderboard.

Feature 3: View the museum map for easier touring and exploration. Additionally, teenagers can click on the coin icon to display all the locations where they can earn points, like a treasure map, allowing them to collect as many points as possible.

ZHANG

Feature 4: After earning points and exploring certain areas on the museum, teenagers and parents can relax at the museum's sex education-themed café. The café offers sex education-related coffee, desserts, keychains, and guidebooks. Teenagers can redeem these products using the points they have just earned.

AREA [02] // SEX IS FILM

In the movie area, teenagers can watch entertaining sex education films with their friends or parents. These films include humorous elements, making it easy and engaging for kids to learn basic knowledge and ways to protect themselves.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

AREA [03] // GAME AREA

In the game area, I designed an interesting ME,I Game Wall inspired by Mario games. In Mario's game, Mario can obtain various items and coins by hitting small blocks. On this game wall, teenagers can make small squares light up by tapping or hitting them, and receive new sex education questions displayed on the nearby ME,I Learning Machine to earn extra points. This interactive approach makes the process of sex education more engaging and interesting.

Behind the smiling face on the photo wall, there is a staircase where teenagers can stand or sit to take selfies and check in. Additionally, the game area features an interactive selfie screen with unique visual filters themed around me,i sex education.

(KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

ZHANG

AREA [04] // COFFEE SHOP

After earning points and exploring certain areas, teenagers and parents can relax at the museum's sex education-themed café. The café offers sex education-related coffee, desserts, keychains, and guidebooks. Teenagers can redeem these products using the points they have just earned. This allows teenagers to rest, eat, and take photos, while also humorously and engagingly promoting other products in the project. Parents can also redeem a free guidebook to read.

ZHANG

ZHANG

XIYU (KIMBERLEY) ZHANG

Twelve years ago, China would censor the private parts of the David statue on CCTV's art news, and sex education was still a taboo topic. However, China is a rapidly developing country. With the update of the youth sex education policy in 2020, China is increasingly emphasizing the development of sex education for teenagers. The demand for sex education materials, learning platforms, and other related aspects is gradually increasing. The sex education graphic design project is no longer just a fantasy, but a potentially viable project.

USERS TESTING

During the design process, I did the user testing with over ten people, gathering feedback from teenagers, teachers, and parents. They provided the following suggestions:

User safety and privacy: The app must protect the personal privacy and physical safety of minors during use.

Real-name authentication: The app should include a real-name authentication system, with involvement and guidance from school professional sex education teachers.

Integration with the museum: The app should be used in conjunction with the museum, incorporating games and gifts to make the learning process more enjoyable and motivate teenagers to learn actively.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Starting in 2020, the Chinese government made significant updates to its sex education policies for young people, marking a pivotal moment in the country's approach to this essential aspect of education. For the first time, the government explicitly stated that "schools and kindergartens should teach sex education that is suitable for the age of the minors."

In addition to this policy change, the government also strengthened the legal framework to better protect minors. The updated laws aimed to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for young people, both in educational settings and beyond. These reforms were designed to address the growing need for comprehensive sex education, equipping young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships.

The policy update was a response to the increasing recognition of the importance of sex education in promoting the well-being and safety of young people. By mandating that educational institutions incorporate sex education into their curricula, the government aimed to foster a more informed and responsible generation. This shift also highlighted the growing societal awareness of the role of education in preventing abuse and promoting healthy attitudes towards sexuality.

These changes represented a significant step forward for China, reflecting the country's commitment to the holistic development and protection of its younger citizens. The implementation of these policies required collaboration between educators, parents, and policymakers to create a comprehensive and effective sex education program that would benefit all children and adolescents across the nation.

SPECIALIST OPINION

At the same time, I interviewed the principal of the South China Normal University Affiliated Elementary School, Zhang Jinting. He led the team that wrote the first elementary school sex education textbook in Guangdong Province, China. He happens to be my father. I asked for his opinion, and he told me that according to the latest policies on youth sex education, every school must organize sex education lectures each semester. China is increasingly valuing sex education and is eager for new educational methods to fill the gaps in this area. My project might have the opportunity to collaborate with his school.

The principal of the South China Normal University Affiliated Elementary School, Zhang Jinting.

SPECIAL THANKS

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, respected teachers, friends, and my boyfriend. I deeply appreciate each of you for your patient guidance, support, and acceptance.

Special thanks go to my esteemed instructors: Mary Scott, Laurie Makela, Hunter Wimmer, Thomas McNulty, Sandra Isla, Teddy GoldsworthyHanner, Phil Hamlett, Jeremy Stout, Tracy Merchant, John Nettleton, Lloyd Mitchell, and Erin Kristine Canoy. They not only imparted knowledge but also patiently mentored me in navigating the professional world.

I am profoundly grateful to my parents, brother, friend Ann, and my boyfriend for their unwavering support and companionship, which have fueled my journey in design.

Thank you to everyone who participated in my interviews and provided ideas and thoughts for this project.

At last, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my thesis instructor, Laurie Makela. When I first arrived in the United States, I was overwhelmed with uncertainty and self-doubt, convinced that I had no talent or future in design. However, Laurie never gave up on me. She proactively and passionately provided me with unwavering support, comforted me during difficult times, encouraged me, praised my efforts, and offered invaluable insights for this project.

Laurie's guidance rekindled my confidence in my design journey, giving me the courage to complete this project and incorporate creative ideas that I had never imagined before. I often marvel at how fortunate I am to have met Laurie. She is a pivotal figure in my life, and I am profoundly grateful to her from the bottom of my heart.

COLOPHON

Title of the book

ME,I Sex Education

Major

Graphic Design

Contact

Xiyu / Kimberley Zhang Kimberleyzhang23@gmail

Instructor Laurie Makela Course

GR 810: Thesis

School

Academy of Art University School of Graphic Design

Degree

Master of Fine Arts

Printing & Binding Blurb.com

Paper

Mohawk Superfine Eggshell

100# Text

Typography

AXIS DIN 2014

Copyright @ 2024 Xiyu / Kimberley Zhang

All copyright reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.

[ MFA THSIS ]

This thesis, aims to bridge the significant gap in sex education for Chinese teenagers through innovative graphic design products. It introduces a sex education program brand: ME,I Sex Education. There are three key deliverables on this program: an interactive sex museum, an informative guidebook for educators and parents, and a mobile app providing access to professional advice on sensitive issues.

Xiyu (Kimberley) Zhang Kimberleyzhangdesign.com