Design & Visual Communications Research Group
Over the past two years, common themes of interest have emerged for a core group of researchers in the area. A group emerged (DVCRG) empowering staff to realise their research potential though a collective approach, resulting in a shared academic outlook and a desire to support one another in establishing a research culture for the Design subject area.
The group includes design staff and embraces all areas of academic activity in the design field. Sharing the common ethos when related to the study, analysis and creative development of:
- Text and image
- Digital design applications
- Apparel, texture and fabrics
- Trends
- Corporate
- Body image
Socially responsible design for mass communication is not a new notion, but has been rapidly gaining importance as society becomes more aware of the need to build and design spaces, products, information and artefacts to create a more cohesive and inclusive society considering ethics, race, religion, age, gender, sustainability, disability, culture and so forth.
The DVCRG shares an interest in the potential and analysis of forms of communication through visual means; exploring sustainability and the place of personal manifestos within an applied subject area, to stimulate the application of design thinking.
The Observatory
The Observatory is a collaborative, periodic publication exploring the semiotics of colour. The publication collects and reports individual visual and written responses from a core team of Design and Visual Communication lecturers and final year BA (Hons) and Master of Design students at the University of Derby; as well as external national and international artists and designers.
