Graphic and communication design research
Explore our work in graphic and communication design, one of our areas of research expertise in Art and Design: History, Theory and Practice
Graphic design research covers the theories, practice and process in relation to solving problems through visual communication. This includes text – typically typography – and images, such as illustration, photography, and pictogram. The term is often used as an umbrella to cover visual communication and communication design generally.
Graphic designers create and combine symbols, images and text to form visual representations of concepts and messages. Forms of graphic design commonly include identity design, such as logos and branding, publication and editorial design, for example magazines. It also includes wayfinding or environmental design, advertising, web design, packaging, and signage.
In this emerging research field, we're looking at the history of design, ethnographic studies in relation to design, design usability, legibility studies, design knowledge, and epistemology.
We have presented at numerous conferences including ATypI – Association Typographique Internationale, Design Research Society, and the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST).
Our research covers the following topics
- Graphic design
- Communication design
- Typographic design
- Information design
- Data visualisation
- Branding and identity
- Typeface design
- Publication design
- Wayfinding
- Web design
- Motion graphic design
- User centred design
- Design epistemology
- Design thinking
Project and publication highlights
Contemporary Processes of Text Typeface Design
Dr Michael Harkins, 2019, First ed. New York/London: Routledge. (Research in Design Studies; accepted for publication)
Forms and levels of expertness: interpreting accounts of typeface design
Dr Michael Harkins, 2016, Journal of Research Practice. 11, 2, 9 p., M9.
Our members
Dr Simone Gumtau
Discover our areas of expertise
Graphic and communication design is one of 6 areas of expertise within our Art and Design: History, Theory and Practice – explore the other 5 below.
Fashion and textiles
Our fashion and textiles research is addressing important issues around fashion and textile design and its associated industries.
History and theory of art and design
We're exploring the historical production and consumption of art and design in wider social, cultural, political and economic contexts, with a particular emphasis on curation and exhibitions.
Illustration and Art of the Book
We're exploring the historical production and consumption of art and design in wider social, cultural, political and economic contexts, with a particular emphasis on curation and exhibitions.
Photography
Our research looks at the portrait studio as a psychic space, how photography can be used to propose theoretical considerations, and how subjectivity is defined through photography.
Visual and Material Culture
Concepts such as taste are the product of cultural and social forces – and through our visual and material culture research, we're working to uncover the concepts at work.
Interested in a PhD in Art & Design?
Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Art & Design postgraduate research degrees page.