
The Aletheian Design Theory of Learning
The Aletheian Design Theory of Learning (ADTL) proposes that learning across all disciplines becomes more effective when educators intentionally incorporate graphic design principles, pop culture frameworks, and cross-genre synthesis into curriculum development and instructional delivery. This theory bridges cognitive science, semiotics, and multimodal learning to argue that design literacy is not an aesthetic enhancement but a core pedagogical competency. The ADTL framework contends that when visual communication, cultural relevance, and interdisciplinary integration align, learners demonstrate increased motivation, conceptual retention, and creative transferability across subjects. This paper introduces the theoretical foundations of ADTL, examines its instructional architecture, and presents a model for implementation across K–12 and higher education contexts.