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EMIGRE REDESIGN

Graphic Design

Apply strategies related to graphic design, visual design, interaction design, content strategy, and user interface design in a flexible way based on professional industry standards. The course focuses on client-oriented product design and service design projects. (connect to Watch Duty Fire APP)

Design Process

Exploration Phase

We studied a magazine studio called Emigre as our main reference: https://www.emigre.com/Magazine

In-depth Research

We analyzed Emigre magazine covers and interior layouts, with a focus on composition, color, and typography.

Poster Design

We started designing posters based on each team member’s understanding of Emigre magazine and Ellen Lupton’s Grammar of Typography.

Graphic Design Analysis of Emigre Magazine

Our Findings

Emigre breaks away from the strict grids and order of modernist design. It uses experimental typography to create a visual effect that appears chaotic but is highly logical.

 

In its early works, Emigre used dynamic collage to freely combine images and text. It consistently refused to follow traditional design conventions.

 

In our analysis of Emigre magazine covers, we also found that even within visually complex layouts, users can still easily identify the key text they need to read.

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User need to read
User need to read

Ellen Lupton’s Design Grammar

Define New Qualities
We identified three key design qualities for our project:
  • Colour Contrast-Driven Visual Hierarchy: Using strong color contrast to guide users’ attention and create a clear visual hierarchy.

  • Texture to Evoke Tactile Engagement: Using texture to create a sense of touch and make the visual experience feel more physical and engaging.

  • Dimension with Figure-Ground: Using figure-ground relationships to create depth, spatial contrast, and a stronger sense of dimension.

Colour Contrast-Driven Visual Hierarchy

texture to evoke tactile engagement

Dimension with figure-ground

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Individual Design Analysis

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Quality: Dimension created through figure-ground relationships
Quality: Visual hierarchy driven by colour contrast
Principle: Building reading order through variations in type scale

Final Design Showcase

© 2026 By Shixuan Chen.

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