Communication Design Research Group

The Communication Design Research and Knowledge Exchange group comprises academics and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds spanning graphic design, branding, packaging, digital/motion/animation, illustration, print and editorial, art-direction and web design.

Our primary aim is to engage in forward-facing and future proof contemporary design practices that challenge conventional thinking, and deliver a diverse range of applications for communication design, including sustainable and ethical practices, and championing diversity and inclusivity.

We encourage experimental approaches to making work, using ideas and creative thinking, observation and research of subject matter, and responding to, but not limited to, industry requirements.

We excel at the ‘industry collaborative project’, engaging directly with a diverse range of partner organisations to explore real-world experiences and collaborative opportunities. We are highly industry focused, and our staff, students and courses have won countless national and international design and illustration awards.

Areas of focus

Ideas and creative thinking

IDEAS are at the heart of Communication and Design. We believe the very best ideas create meaningful interactions; and are the product of critical insight, creative expression, risk-taking and the accepting of failure as part of making new work and radical new ideas.

A positive contribution to the world

We work with subject matter that challenges norms, and embraces diversity and inclusion. We work on projects concerned with ethics and design for change. We bring essential skills and ideas needed to face the challenges of the future.

Beauty and delight

We believe that communication design serves many purposes including to record, instruct, persuade, and to inform. We believe that it should also entertain, empower and provide delightful and beautiful experiences. Design can and should improve our lives, and design that brings joy and pleasure is essential in our lives, communities and wider society.