Design History Reader - an emerging vision for a new narrative

How can we—as people, designers, educators—facilitate change? How can we create a culture of empathy and inclusion?

The Design History Reader explores the paradox that historical discourse is based on collective knowledge, yet is often limited by a one-sided perspective. This publication calls for a pluralistic approach to teaching and telling the history of graphic design, reflecting the diversity of both the profession and the educational environment.

The book challenges the traditional Western canon of design history by highlighting lesser-known designers and movements that deserve recognition. In collaboration with Kristen Coogan, students in the History of Graphic Design course at Boston University took a multiple-perspective approach, integrating their own experiences and cultural heritage. This allowed for a history that reflects both dominant and minority traditions.

The ideas collected in the book shape a modern view of the history of graphic design, opening up new approaches to its study and understanding. Design History Reader is not a definitive answer, but rather a living archive that expands with the development of collective research.

Contributions by Aminu Hachimura, Alexina Federchen, Anna Doctor, Anabella Pugliese, Bell Bennett, Charles Lee, Dar Saravia, Ellen Johnson, Flora Kerner, Grace Chong, Haya AlMajali, Julia Cheng, Christina Shumilina, Lauren Hud, Leila Garner, Maida Salman, Natalie Seitz, Niharika Yellamraju, Olujimi Taiwo, Rain Shulman, Rhea Jauhar, Rashina Wang, Risa Yamazaki, Shaimaa Sabbagh, Cheryl Peng, Sophie Zimbler, Tsu-Xuan Huang, Winnie May, Xuqi Zhan, and Yue Lo.