The Graphic Action research group will present a scope of projects and workshops as part of the Design Action programme, which celebrates London College of Communication’s contribution to the 2020 London Design Festival.
Modus System is a project run by Cooper+Hutchinson Research, an independent research group within Graphic Action, which itself explores the evolution of graphic design through shifting lenses of research and practice, text and image, and media and form. Collectively, the group’s work reflects, builds and speculates on the roles and responsibilities of practice, activism and innovation across the field.
Comprising of two workshops and a livestream, the Modus System Workshop events enable participants to investigate the power of modular communication design and the potential expansion of language.
Their central focus is the Modus System, a set of 9 graphic units which encourages users to generate alternative forms that offer new approaches to communicating messages and information. These forms are created through processes such as drafting with stencils and printing with woodblocks.
After familiarising themselves with the foundations of the System, participants are initially tasked with creating forms in response to themes and seed words in reference to Graphic Action as a concept.
In the second of two workshops, participants then create a set of hybrid characters in order to explore the structure of language and the potential offered by new meanings. A selection of designs created by participants is then live-streamed to create a final type/glyph specimen.
By ‘infiltrating’ the logic of wider society, graphic design is an interface through which we produce and disseminate knowledge, enabling us to create, critique, investigate and innovate. By facilitating clear communication, it simplifies and visually organises complex information to make ideas accessible, inclusive and participatory.
As a result, design activists, educators, researchers and practitioners have used the practice to promote change and address inequalities across society. Conversely, it can also be linked to wider economic interests, developing and promoting goods and services while delivering the vernacular of human material culture.
Graphic design is just one of a range of fields explored through DESIGN ACTION at London College of Communication.
Design Action will run online from 12 – 20 September 2020.
Content highlights include:
Check in with our range of activities and events by following the hashtag #LCCxLDF on social media.
Staff and students at London College of Communication have explored the role of design in ‘visioning’ the possible futures of 2030.
Students were given the opportunity to test their skills by developing a series of strategic and visual concept resolutions for London Design Festival.
As we congratulate our Graduating Class of 2020, London College of Communication industry mentor Rafa Prada shares his experiences of being a young creative, and gives his top tips for making a living by doing what you love.
Following our public launch on Tuesday 28 July, join us online to explore the most exciting new names in design, media and screen.