Final Year Projects (FYPs) - Undergraduates

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.100.100.70:4000/handle/123456789/5

This collection archives the complete set of theses produced by students of the COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus.

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Now showing 1 - 15 of 15

BEATBOXING - UNLEASH THE ART OF VOCAL PERCUSSION IN PAKISTAN
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Muhammad Sufyan; FA21-BDE-001; LHR TP 9661; Zain-ul-Abidin
Beatboxing is a vibrant vocal art form born in African American and Latino communities by Smalls (2012), has become a global phenomenon. Despite its widespread popularity, according to the article Pakistani Music Industry: Challenges and Opportunities, Pakistan remains an untapped territory for beatboxers. This thesis bridges this gap, advocating for beatboxing's integration into Pakistani culture and tradition. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews with local beatboxers and analysis of international beatboxers' techniques, this research investigates and evaluates the experiences, challenges, and successes of Pakistani beatboxers, while local insights revealed unique struggles. International benchmarks were established for emerging artists, echoing the cultural fusion observed in Korean American beatboxers stated in Beatboxing as Cultural Fusion by Lee (2020). This study serves three purposes: raising awareness and recognition of beatboxing in Pakistan; devising a strategic plan for promoting the art form; exploring its cultural significance and fostering beatboxing societies and events. By highlighting the potential and challenges faced by novice beatboxers, this thesis advocates for beatboxing as a vehicle for music culture diversity and beatbox community development in Pakistan. The design introduces a dynamic space—both physical and digital—where art, sound, and technology merge to connect, support, and grow the beatboxing community in Pakistan.
Beyond Walls: An Exploration on Abstract Concept of Home
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Shanzay Adnan; FA21-BDE-013; LHR TP 9665; Zain Ul Abidin
Home is not just a physical location but also an emotional connection one shares with others. It is beyond boundaries and comprises comfort, safety, and peacefulness. It is a feeling of warmth and acceptance revolving around personal memories, relationships, moments and experiences. The concept of home is a feeling that might come very deep in a relationship or experience or even within oneself. This sense leads to the fact that less home is felt in a physical structure and more within the right people and experiences. In the words of Keith Hart, home is not merely a physical location but an emotional space, deeply intertwined with our identities and sense of belonging. The design response aims to visually explore home as an emotion through intimate storytelling and visual symbolism one can understand what makes a house into a home. By capturing these quiet and universal experiences through a short film and projecting it in a way that the design seeks to celebrate the emotional fabric that turns physical places into meaningful, personal home.
BIASED INCLUSIVITY IN THE NAME OF WOKE CULTURE IN VIDEO GAMING
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) SHAHZAIB AAMIR; FA21-BDE-025; LHR TP 9660; Zain Ul Abidin
Woke culture has influenced the gaming industry in many ways. But the major impact seen has been in character design. Due to this shift, storylines and environmental designs were also changed. But this shift also was also the cause of generating many controversies. Most of the gaming community was not happy with the change saying, “It has polluted the gaming industry and now there is no more creativity”. Games like ‘Battlefield V by dice electronics arts (EA)’and ‘The Last of Us-Part 2 by Naughty Dogs’ faced backlash from the fans through Discord and Twitter due to the inclusion of so-called diverse characters hitting their sales. People also criticized these 2 titles that it are more focused on woke-ness rather than the actual gameplay which is more actually the end-all, be-all. The shift towards woke culture has divided the fans into small communities and the gamers are no more loyal towards the companies. Overall, this shift in gaming hit the sales and the reputation of big companies. Major issue is not the inclusivity but biased inclusivity. Selective inclusion of characters in any type of digital media is biased inclusivity the essence of biased inclusivity, it’s the selective inclusion of characters in any type of digital media. And the best way to fight something wrong in the gaming industry through its own medium, a game, an 8-bit, supposedly vintage game designed as a dystopian action platformer that satirizes the biased inclusivity in gaming, where the gamers fight the ruling elites to restore balance to a world ruled by ideological conformity
BODY SHAMING – YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Abdur Rahman Nadeem; FA21-BDE-024; LHR TP 9648
Body shaming is one of the most damaging ways to undermine a person's character. The worst part is that it is carried out in the guise of fun by close friends and family members of the individual's circle. Ranging from slim to fat, people are tall to short, but the most contributing factor is the change of definition throughout the years and the value it holds within society, taken from them. What started as a bad thing was considered wrong socially, religiously, and morally, but over time became common in any friend's circle, losing its true meaning. But the other side would be that the offender is doing it out of fun, consciously or unconsciously, which raises the question of whether they are driven by past experiences or insecurities that manifest in hurtful behavior. Understanding the intention behind body shaming can help address its negative effects on individuals and society as a whole. Which is the way that Imran Ali presents in his articles of effects of body shaming on young adult's mind, similarly the "Self-Discrepancy Theory" by E. Tory Higgins (1987) defines 'Self Discrepancy as the conflict in self-concept between the actual self and the ideal self (APA Dictionary of Psychology, 2020). A play-based story-based game is the result of this thesis.
CELEBRATING LIVING MYTHICAL STORIES FROM PAKISTAN
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Maira Zainab; FA21-BDE-035; LHR TP 9658; Zain Ul Abidin
Through narratives, people convey historical events, moral lessons, societal norms, and collective wisdom etc. Pakistani mythical stories are rich tapestry of love, tragedy, heroism and the supernatural deeply immersed in the cultural and historical context of the region. These stories, which have their roots in oral traditions that have been passed down through the centuries, serve as moral and spiritual compass for communities in addition to reflecting Pakistan's rich cultural legacy. However, the practice of storytelling has been transforming and diminishing due to the urbanization and technological advancements in society that have transformed the family structures in Pakistan (Nida Zahra, 2023). Love and tragedy stories often emphasize the human spirit's resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Heroic stories depict individuals who go above their mortal limitations in order to defend their people and enforce justice, and they honor bravery, selflessness, and loyalty. These narratives often interact with features like djinn, magical items, and divine interventions, these stories frequently touch on the legendary and supernatural, demonstrating a close relationship between the material and spiritual realms. They act as a link between the past and present by highlighting the interdependence between human emotions and Pakistan's larger cultural identity. The objective of this research focus on stories of love, tragedy, bravery, and the mythical, this research intends to examine the thematic richness of Pakistani mythology, and why it is important in terms of culture; this examination will endeavor to help further understand the collective cultural identity and values we share as a society.
DREAM REALMS: MAPPING TIME & SPACE BEYOND REALITY
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Syed Muhammad Abbas; FA21-BDE-034; LHR TP 9666; Zain Ul Abidin
Dreams inhabit liminal landscapes where time and place collapse, showing how perception can morph fluidly across moments and spaces. In distinguishable opposition to demiurgic waking perception, dreams collapse timelines, expand space, and bleed in a non-linear way. This thesis seeks to investigate how the phenomenon of time disruption (in particular) can inform the design of immersive interactive environments. The research set out to position relative and absolute understandings of space and how the flow of dream logic opens up a new understanding of a different reality. The research expands on Gaston Bachelard's The Poetics of Space, which links memory and imagination in spatial experience, as well as Juhani Pallasmaa's ideas around sensory architecture and embodied perception. Using qualitative methods as a mode of inquiry, the research was explorative and looked at how altered states, such as lucid dreaming or spatial disorientation, could be the catalyst for informing design of nonlinear and emotionally responsive environments. As a form of exploration, immersive design opens a space for individuals to surrender their will to a massively scalable product, allowing them to become co authors in a dream-like immersion of spac
FROM PRESTIGE TO PERSEVERANCE: THE KHAWAJA SIRA COMMUNITY OF PAKISTAN
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Yumna Sohail; FA21-BDE-008; LHR TP 9667; Zain Ul Abidin
“The Khawaja Sira are the people whose sexual orientation is vague and cannot be confirmed as male or female” as stated by the Status and Rights of transgender in the constitution of Pakistan. Not fitting into the societal norms, Khawaja Siras of Pakistan face all forms of discrimination, marginalization, along with harassment. Been rejected from their families, they start to form communities and live under the Guru-Cheela relation and earn money for survival through jobs that are frowned upon. The term Khawaja Sira is one that denotes respect and is accepted by their community as accurate term for their gender identity and lived experience. According to an article Living on the Periphery by Aimen Majeedullah, the main discriminatory institutes include hospitals, mosques, and police force. The main objective of this project is to focus on the changes throughout the eras in the lives of the Khawaja Siras and how the changes of struggles and existing challenges of discrimination and marginalization and not considering them as humans is causing their suffering. The aim of this project is to spread awareness about how in this era of modernization, the non-binary community is still not able to enjoy their rights by providing a narrative using strong photographs and visuals.
GENDER INEQUALITY IN PAKHIWAS COMMUNITY OF PAKISTAN
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Khansa Kalsoom; FA21-BDE-017; LHR TP 9656; Zain Ul Abidin
Traditional gender roles in Pakistan typically portray men as providers and protectors and women as homemakers. owever, women are often forced to balance their outside work anddomestic chores due to financial constraints.this particularly happen in marginalized communities such as Pakhiwas1, who are semi-nomadic and nomadic communities, often lack of regular jobs and stable housing. To support their families, women in the Pakhiwas community act as street vendors, domestic help or garbage collectors. Despite their contributions, they can witness trauma, verbal, sexual and physical abuse from their husband and the extended family. Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18 revealed that 28% of married women between the ages of 15-49 have experienced physical abuse, and percentage even more in communities like Pakhiwas. These women vulnerabilities get worst by embedded with patriarchal norms and financial difficulties. Due to patriarchal cultural and social norms societal pressure to fit traditional roles, where the idea of security often translates controlled and exploited. Due to divorce and separation being highly stigmatized, it makes these physical and mental health worse. Despite all hardships, many of these women are used to this abuse that they do not find it strange. They have accepted this as their fate and even found happiness in the small corner of their world. This uncertainty further highlights the intensity of the abuse. While Pakhiwas communities face enormous obstacles, other marginalized communities across 1 The term "Pakhiwas" refers to a nomadic community in Pakistan, often described as gypsies or tapriwas. They are known for their traditional nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place. Pakistan face comparable challenges Communities in disaster-prone areas, urban slums and landlessrural workers all struggle with a cycle of poverty, abuse and lack of support networks. Due to nomadic lifestyle women of Pakhiwas are more isolated and have greater difficulty accessing legal or psychological support. Even with all the difficulties they face, many Pakhiwas women continue to live with amazing strength. Even with all the difficulties they face, many Pakhiwas women continue to live with braver and strength. Some have faced abuse for so long that it feels normal to them. Still, they manage to find small moments of happiness in their lives. This mix of quiet joy and deep suffering shows how strong they truly are inside. Through this research, author would like to show the world how powerful and talented these women are the world through my work. They have skill and potential. By giving them opportunities to develop and learn, hope to promote their confidence. They are more worthy than just existence. They have the right to be seen freedom, security, help and support.
IMPACT OF LABELS ON THE PERSONALITIES OF DISABLED PEOPLE IN PAKISTAN
(2025) Zara Akbar; FA21-BDE-019; LHR TP 9668; Zain Ul Abidin
This research examines how people get labelled because of disabilities which overshadows their true personalities. Mary Wickenden in her article suggest that disability is more about how people react to the differences , not just the difference itself. In another article by Margaret Wangui Murugami, Watson argues that the self identity of persons with disabilities can be achieved not through a side-lining of impairment but through a reconstruction of what is normalcy. People often remember others by their disabilities rather than their personalities and one of the reasons is that when people meet someone new no one knows anything about each other and due to this reason individuals start calling each other with the labels. Additionally society has normalized labels, it has become so normal for people to categorize others even if that’s in light-hearted manner . This study aims to highlight that people are more than labels, and maybe you try to remember others by personalities and not disabilities. This research aims to tell the importance of recognising people beyond their disabilities and stop labeling people due to their differences through a comic book which is specificallly designed for children. As early childhood is crucial period for the development of mindsets. With the help of an interesting narrative and strong visuals this project tries to achieve a mindset of acceptance. The visuals and the language will be age-appropriat, simple and direct. The visuals will be clear and simple so that reader would not have to rely heavly on the text. By challenging society’s norms and redefining normalcy a society can be created that would value personalities over impairments
IN LOVING MEMORY: AN EXPLORATION OF LOSS AND GRIEF THROUGH THE FABRIC OF SOUTH ASIAN IDENTITY
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Mahnoor Tariq; FA21-BDE-003; LHR TP 9657; Zain Ul Abideen
The concept of memory is very fragile, yet it is one of the most powerful connections a person can have. Loss, in whatever form it may be, leaves us with a void that is hard to fill but through those memories we find a way to keep our loved ones close. In times of unforsaken loss, many often turn to stories and keepsakes—mementos that hold a part of the people we loved, allowing us to remember, honor, and continue our connection to them. Among these, personal belongings and heirlooms hold a unique significance as carries of generational history, cultural traditions and emotional attachment. While the importance of storytelling and the role of personal objects in the bereavement process are well acknowledged, there exists a need to explore the complex nature of grief and its role in creating a lasting impact of love, identity and human connection. This thesis aims to explore the intersection of grief, memory, remembrance and material culture in the grieving process and the impact of loss on an individual; especially within the South Asian context, where personal artifacts and belongings are deeply tied to generational and collective histories. Using a combination of traditional crafting methods, interactivity, experiential design, and personal storytelling, it aims to highlight the importance of memory in the evolving process of dealing with loss and how those memories are expressed, preserved and transformed into meaningful representations.
PERFORMING GIRLHOOD: BETWEEN EMPOWERMENT AND EXPLOITATION
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Maliha Noor; FA21-BDE-010; LHR TP 9659; Zain Ul Abideen
This thesis examines the construction, performance, and commodification of girlhood and femininity in the digital era, focusing on social media, literature, and cultural trends. It explores how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have reshaped girlhood through aesthetics such as the "girlissance" 1 and "I'm Just a Girl" 2 , dangling between empowerment and commodification. Drawing on theories of gender performativity, surveillance, and post-feminism, the research investigates how girlhood is both reclaimed and infantilized, and how social media trends foster self-expression while reinforcing patriarchal ideals. The study critiques the hyper-commodification of femininity, where individuality is curated for consumption, and highlights the tension between gender transgression and normative constraints. Case studies on viral trends and literary depictions explore these themes, emphasizing intersectionality. This thesis aims to draw a line between empowerment and exploitation, for young impressionable minds to be conscious of their use of the internet. While these trends may appear fascinating, our individual identities are getting lost somewhere. This thesis argues for a critical understanding of the internet’s dual role in empowering and exploiting femininity, advocating for digital spaces that prioritize authenticity and inclusivity
RISHTA CULTURE - A CULTURAL MONSTROSITY IN PAKISTAN
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Muzna Farid; FA21-BDE-006; LHR TP 9662; Zain Ul Abidin
Culture encompasses the beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that shape the way people live, interact, and organize their lives. In South Asia, rishta1 culture is a prominent societal practice rooted in matchmaking for marriage. It objectifies individuals, with men often evaluated based on their financial stability and women on their physical appearance and dowry. This culture reflects deep-seated stereotypes and societal expectations tied to gender roles and materialistic standards. According to Henri Tajfel, 1970 we are naturally inclined towards social categorization and social comparison. Grouping people and making comparisons fosters the development of stereotypes. Global Capitalism has further intensified this issue by introducing Western standards of beauty, success, and lifestyle into South Asian societies through media. Advertisements and social media reinforce unrealistic ideals, objectifying both genders and fueling harmful stereotypes. As these pressures grow, individuals conform at the expense of personal identity. In response, this project presents an interaction using storytelling to critique and unpack these very gendered expectations, allowing individuals to experience the emotional weight of societal standards from each other’s perspectives
ROLE OF NOSTALGIA IN FINDING AND SUSTAINING HOPE
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Ahsan Irfan; FA21-BDE-036; LHR TP 9649; Huma Maqbool
Originally diagnosed in the 17th century as a medical condition called “homesickness,” nostalgia has become an important emotional experience. It is now defined as the sense of "emotional longing for the past" that we have in time which reinforces our lives. Janelle L. Wilson calls nostalgia a "journey through memory" that shows us who we are by remembering who we were. This allows us to "bridge the temporal gaps" in our lives and find hope. This thesis explores the role of nostalgia as a powerful emotional and psychological tool for sustaining hope and reconnecting with authenticity in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on the idea that "nostalgia is hope turned backwards," the project repositions nostalgia not merely as a longing for the past, but as a form of reverse-directed hope. When individuals reminisce, they often seek out the comfort, familiarity, and meaning that once gave their lives structure and joy—elements that can now provide strength and guidance in the face of present-day uncertainties. Rather than remaining trapped in memory, nostalgia becomes a generative force: a reminder of past resilience, connection, and purpose that can help shape a more hopeful present and future. The design concept explores nostalgia as an experienced and therapeutic tool, which transforms individual and collective reflections into an immersive sensory engagement and spatial journey. Draws from past which were seen and felt - to develop emotional connection and hope. This approach distributes nostalgia not only as a memory
SENSING IS BELIEVING - A MULTISENSORY ODE TO DESIGN
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Rameen Rizwan; FA21-BDE-037; LHR TP 9663
Human beings engage with their surroundings through their five senses which consist of Kinaesthetic (textures), Vision (light and colours), Auditory (sound), Olfactory (smell), and Gustatory(food). Understanding the power experiences designers can create to capture attention and evoke emotions, ensuring positive human experience and engagement. Jinsop Lee, in Designing for 5 senses, suggest the importance of engaging multiple senses in design and the profound effect of multisensory engagement on human experiences. Another case study by Heli Juuti: Multisensory Design, describes Sensory design focuses on enhancing the sensory experience of design, services, and environments to create more immersive and meaningful interactions. This paper aims to identify the ways sensory design can enhances Visual Communication Design’s (VCD) functionality while significantly impacting user engagement, and emotional connection and how sensory design elements can create meaningful, user-centred experiences for diverse needs and promote inclusivity, especially in assistive products. The aim of the project is to allow the audience to experience a multisensory journey that provokes curiosity and establishes the importance of multisensory integration within Visual Communication Design and ultimately redefine what it means to communicate through design by using the right translative mediums
UNSPOKEN FACET OF FATHERHOOD
(2025) RIDA HAMID; FA21-BDE-004; LHR TP 9664; Zain Ul Abideen
Fatherhood has long been defined by roles based on financial provision and protection, often affecting the emotional guidance and nonverbal sacrifices of fathers In Pakistani society where values such as izzat (respect) and traditional masculinity — . emphasizing emotional self-control and financial responsibility—establish expectations of fatherhood Multiple roles are used, but these are silent sacrifices—family needs are prioritized over individual preferences—are often unacceptable to children and society. This study examines how these sacrifices affect the emotional well-being of fathers and the development of their children, especially in a cultural context where weakness is often compared to weakness Based on John Bowlby's attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) which emphasizes the role of affection nonverbal uses in fostering emotional security It is to redefine this emotional connection, It emphasizes the importance of the importance of moral guidance and the multifaceted role of fathers (Zuber, 2017). By examining these developments, the study seeks to promote healthy father-child relationships, enhance emotional well-being, and challenge traditional gender norms in Pakistani society. Also plan is to visualize and interchange narrative which explore silent sacrifices of fathers and their emotional journey through child perspective.