Master of Fine Arts in Design

M.F.A. Leadership

Robert Fraher, Ph.D., M.F.A. | AIGA, ACM Professor of Design + Program Director, M.F.A. in Design

B.S. INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN University of Minnesota

M.F.A. GRAPHIC DESIGN, INTERACTIVE EMPHASIS University of Minnesota

Ph.D. DESIGN: USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN University of Minnesota

Dr. Robert Fraher is a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Stout. His research explores how interactive design and digital media can be used to promote individual expression and community involvement. This includes investigating the therapeutic potential of digital media, novel forms of mobile communication, and design for pre-literate audiences. He has exhibited, published, and presented research in the fields of graphic design, art, instructional design, interaction design, creativity, and bereavement studies. A leader in the campus academic community, Dr. Fraher has been recognized with the Dahlgren Professorship, the College of Arts and Human Sciences’ Outstanding Teaching Award, and as a University Research Fellow. Robert’s approach to education involves combining established theoretical concepts with industry-standard processes and technology. He strives to inspire students to engage, both with the course content as well as with each other as peers in the studio environment. He seeks to develop individualized knowledge foundations to support students’ unique educational and professional goals. Finally, he works to cultivate a sense of curiosity within students to build on their knowledge foundations with life-long learning goals. Dr. Fraher’s career as an interactive designer includes industry positions with Antidote X and Medtronic, as well as a variety of experiences in music, sound design, and audio engineering. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in design with an emphasis in user experience and a Master of Fine Arts degree in graphic design with an emphasis in interactivity, both from the University of Minnesota.

Research Interests: Novel Interfaces, Multi-sensory Stimulation, Visual Language, Design Methodology, Design Pedagogy

Professional Interests: Interactive Design, User-Experience Design, Graphic Design, Motion Graphic Design, Object-Oriented Programming, Usability Testing, Identity and Branding

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