Volume 6 | Research outputs in graphic design

This issue of Studies in Material Thinking is devoted to the critique, not only in writing but also through the forms themselves, of the notions of research in, and through art and graphic / communication design practice. The discourses of art and design are vibrant and constantly shifting, negotiated terrains, where new technologies provide opportunities and avenues to explore and re-shape the boundaries of the discourses. We encourage non-traditional as well as traditional media forms that can be uploaded to a revamped web presence of the journal. As well as standard text and image documents, the new site will be able to present contributions through sound, moving image and interactive works.

Universities and colleges have moved into an era of mandatory research outputs, the ratings of which are used to justify continued research funding and time allocation. Whilst many departments have a long history of research outputs, Art and Design disciplines are working to identify research outputs appropriate for their fields. With staff’s professional practice and much postgraduate work involving construction of artifacts, the emphasis on written text research outputs often necessitates an additional layer of work to render them ‘legitimate’.

Studies in Material Thinking welcomes written papers and creative works which critique and challenge established conceptions of research in and through art and design.

Some possible areas for consideration:
• What are the current limitations on and opportunities for research in art and design discourse?
• What is meant by a ‘research context’ for art and design?
• How are current art and design discourses re-shaping the boundaries of research?
• How is research re-shaping the boundaries of current art and design discourses?
• How do new technologies impact on art and design research?
• How can practice-led works be evaluated in a research context?
• What are the collaborative potentials across different forms of art and design research?
• How are art and design research outputs impacting upon commercial and applied fields that employ art and design knowledge?