Sophia Bae Typography & Interaction, Fall 2025
A digital mini-book — three essays

Rethinking
Graphic Design
History

Three perspectives that challenge how we talk about design's past — and where it could go.

Three Readings
01
Knowing Your Design History Is Crucial to Aesthetic Innovation
Coogan Style Cycles
02
We Need Graphic Design Histories That Look Beyond the Profession
Toppins People's Design
03
Can We Teach Graphic Design History Without the Cult of Hero Worship?
Toppins De-heroizing
What is Design? poster exploring multiple definitions

Pacenti, Elena. "Poster exploring multiple definitions of design." Instagram, posted by @thecharliefund.

A more thoughtful way of understanding where design comes from

These three texts rethink how we should talk about design history. One argues that knowing the past fuels innovation. Another insists that we learn histories that expand beyond the profession. And the third questions if we can teach design without the lens of heroes.

Typography Design History Visual Culture Style Cycles Critical Theory
Colophon

Three very interesting ways to look at history — in addition to typography and interaction.

This project was inspired by Geronimo Stilton — where words tilt, shimmer, and break free from the page.

Each article lives in its own color world, with expressive text treatments woven throughout.