Designing Visibility: Addressing the Hidden Curriculum for First-Generation Cal Poly Students Through Graphic Communication

Author(s) Information

Issac Enrique Cervantes, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Liberal Arts

Department - Author 1

Graphic Communication Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Graphic Communication

Date

3-2026

Primary Advisor

Hocheol Yang, College of Liberal Arts, Graphic Communication Department

Abstract/Summary

First-generation college students often encounter invisible barriers in higher education, including unspoken terminology, institutional practices, cultural norms, and academic expectations that are rarely made explicit but are essential for student success. While this information is frequently transmitted informally through family networks or prior exposure to higher education, first-generation students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, often lack access to these channels. As a result, students may experience confusion, a reduced sense of belonging, and inequitable academic outcomes.

This senior project investigates and addresses this gap using inclusive graphic communication and user experience (UX) design principles. Through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders across the Cal Poly college pipeline, including high school counselors, first-year academic advisors, first-generation students, and graduates, the project identified recurring communication barriers, procedural misunderstandings, and unmet information needs. The findings informed a research-based brochure presenting six actionable recommendations aimed at clarifying institutional processes, improving navigation, and reinforcing student belonging.

Grounded in principles of UX, information design, and inclusive communication, this project demonstrates how graphic communication can serve as a tool for educational equity by translating complex systems into accessible, visually intuitive content. By centering first-generation students throughout the design process, the project also models participatory design practices aligned with industry trends emphasizing accessibility, human-centered problem solving, and social impact.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/grcsp/331