Typography as a catalyst for research constructing identity and meaning through type

The designer of today is solving complex problems across media, in networked environments, and often in contexts well beyond the realm of previously considered ‘graphic design’. Among other skills, the literacy of other disciplines, the ability to be nimble in practice, engage in participatory design, and the capacity to conduct, interpret and synthesise research is imperative. As educators whose practice and research specialties lie within the realm of typography, we are interested in incorporating cultural literacy and complexity into our typography course assignments. Our goal is to change the way students perceive and utilise typography, shifting the viewpoint from type as a vehicle of communicating content, to typography as a catalyst for, and means of, researching. A framework demonstrating a design methodology using typography in the classroom is shared, which can also translate into practice. Through curating and authoring content, students typographically interpret research, providing a space for their research to dictate the final form, rather than relying on typographic trends.