Publishing Studies and Design Teaching: A Case Study of Interdisciplinary Teaching at University of the Arts London

This reflective case study explores the intersection of publishing studies and design teaching, asking how design pedagogy can enhance publishing education. Set within an industry-facing publishing course at a creative arts university, it examines how a longstanding emphasis on design and production has developed into a distinctive specialism within practice-oriented teaching. The case study discusses experiential units that connect design and publishing through considerations of audiences, project management, content, form, and innovation. It also explores a research-led final project option that encourages design-based responses to publishing challenges, including accessibility. Two student projects investigating neurodiversity and reading are examined, alongside staff research into digital and print design, which informs teaching practice. The article argues that integrating design learning with publishing studies enriches both student learning and research, offering an interdisciplinary model that reflects publishing as a creative and material medium.

This item will appear in an Open Access journal later in 2026 - it is embargoed until then. For details contact f.hall@lcc.arts.ac.uk