Hello again from all of us here at the Graphic Research Unit, with an update on some of the activities of the Occasional Press!

We are rounding off the Spring Term with some exciting publication projects in progress, one very much analogue-inspired and one that takes us right into the domain of AR/VR/XR.

Starting off the analogue conversation, we are delighted to be working with the team at Material Matters to develop an editorial and print cataloging system to capture the fascinating insights generated by their Visiting Artists’ Program. Team member Isla Pedrana (MDes 2023) is leading the initiative. The focus is on recording all the exploratory insights that arise, so that new interdisciplinary conversations and ideas can occur, helping the next group of designers get started on their experiments.

Folding experimentation by Isla Pedrana

At the other end of the spectrum, Aamir Rangwalla (MDes 2023) is experimenting with augmented and virtual reality  for the publishing world, working on an exciting alternative to current digital modes. He is currently developing and designing ways in which AR/VR can help us experience articles and provide real time links that can take us through to more traditional digital models. He is also looking at how this work can be integrated into our soon-to-come  Occasional Papers, so watch this space if you want to hear first! Watch out next week as we hope to share some of his work in progress.

Screenshot of AR exploration by Aamir Rangwalla