Title: Exploring the Hybridization of Traditional Printing and Digital Fabrication Processes to Expand Design Innovation in the Classroom
Stream: Learning Practices in Art & Design Education
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Pedro Amado, University of Porto, Portugal
Cristina Ferreira, University of Porto, Portugal
Maíra Woloszyn, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Abstract:
Graphic Design education has been institutionalized for several decades now (Almeida, 2009; Morais, 2021), but digital competencies have shifted the role of the "designer-author" to a "digital black-box operator" (Maedche et al., 2019; Menges & Ahlquist, 2011). Digital Design and Media Literacy are directly related to the development of critical thinking (Martino, 2015). Promoting such a skill set is a priority as it allows us to understand and operate a range or set of tools and processes of the wider media ecosystem today, and project these into future uses or developments (Abreu, 2020; Horcades, 2016). This paper aims to promote Digital Design and Media Literacy through the design-led research and development process of an innovative DIY flatbed proof press, the XT-Press. It can be fabricated at home, or in educational environments, allowing for the designers and students to learn more about the history, purpose, and (mechanical and graphic) possibilities of this tool and process.
By presenting the results from two experiences in building and using the press with a small group of participants in a Graphic Design higher education classroom context, we have learned that by being able to iterate back and forth between design and, fabrication of the tools and processes. As well as design and printing of the "designer-author" compositions promote the acquisition of these skills and the expansion of critical thinking. At the same time, providing insight into historical and technical production processes by achieving control and intervention in all stages of the design and production.
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