Print is not dead – in this project, students had the opportunity to explore the book as a medium that offers multiple design possibilities, satisfying human needs while nourishing several of our senses. A medium that can provide an unparalleled immersive experience. In addition, students were tasked with developing a concept for how a publication could be enriched or enhanced using digital technology, such as augmented reality.
The students took the opportunity to explore the medium and – by freely choosing their topic – themselves: their origins and cultural backgrounds, ideas they hold dear, messages and experiences they want to share. Storytelling was an important part of the curriculum and some had their first experience as an author, illustrator or both in this project.
A pile of books presented after the first course in January 2017
How to „go green“, live a more sustainable live, why not getting inspirations from ants? Giang Nguyen Ha gave a lot of recommendations and showed for example how to make your own paper from trash (January 2018).
Using her grandfather’s poems, Le Hoang Huong Nhi shows how to live a life to fullest, even in your late years: „Loving the salt & pepper life“.
„The method of Heaven & Earth to restore lost Qi“ is an inspiration for young people to mind traditional medicine. More images of Ta Quang Huy‘s book can be found on his Behance profile
Thinking about enhancing a printed matter with digital technology, Tran Nu Hoang Kim developed an Augmented Reality App showcasing mythical creatures of Native American culture for her book: „The realms of spirit“.
„Superstrings to the rescue“ is a scientific art book about string theory, a contemporary idea in theoretical physics. The book becomes Nguyen Ngoc Tuong Minh‘s personal aesthetic translation of the string theory language.
About the course
Students learned not only in the classroom, but also through various activities, field trips, exhibition visits, or in the library. I worked with Clare O’Dwyer, the director of the Beanland Library on campus, to develop a Book Award that could be won each semester, paired with an exhibit in the library. In addition, the books of the award winners were added to the library’s collection.
I invited Long Dang, the founder of the Saigon Art Book project, and Giang Nguyen Hung, the designer of the latest book, to talk about contemporary Vietnamese book design. We took field trips to an offset printing company and to the Type Directors Club exhibition organised by the German Goethe-Institut in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visiting an offset printing house
Type Directors Club exhibition, organised by the Goethe Institute
More examples of student work:
Course: Project
Contribution: Idea, course design, teaching
Program: Bachelor of Design (Digital Media)
University: School of Communication & Design, RMIT Vietnam
Year: 2016 – 2018
