John O'Neill

Portrait of John O'Neil wearing a polo shirt and glasses against brick backdrop
Professional Title
Associate Professor, Graphic Design

John is a disability advocate and designer who brings awareness to ableism and disability rights. He serves as a Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), teaching graphic design, user experience (UX) design, and accessibility. His design practice consists of traditional graphic design and exploring design processes and methods to best achieve accessibility. John is also a photographer that explores urban and rural environments. 

John's design work has been recognized by:

  • HOW International Design Awards
  • Creative Quarterly
  • Graphis
  • Center for Plain Language
  • Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals
  • Graphic Design USA

John's photography work has been recognized by:

  • Creative Quarterly
  • Graphis
  • iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS)
  • Midwest Center for Photography
  • Colorado Photographic Arts Center 
  • Black Box Gallery 

He is a published author and has presented nationally and internationally regarding design education, user experience, sensory design, and accessibility.

Before coming to UMD, John taught graphic design at Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, and Chowan University. He has a BFA in Graphic Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts, and an MFA in graphic design from Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Design.

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