Franz Werner

Franz Werner is a Professor at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), specializing in typography and photography. He also serves as Principal and Creative Director of Intelligence Made Visible (imv). Born in Basel, Switzerland, he holds a Swiss Federal Diploma in Typography (1972), a degree in “Typografischer Gestalter” (1979) under Wolfgang Weingart, and postgraduate studies under Armin Hofmann at Basel’s School of Design.

Werner’s career spans academic roles at institutions including Osaka University of the Arts, University of Canterbury (New Zealand), and the University of Art and Design Basel. His professional practice includes clients like International Paper, Intel, and Brown University. He has received notable awards such as the PDN/Nikon award and RISD’s Art of Education accolade.

His research focuses on iconography and visual communication, supported by a Faculty Development Grant. He maintains a dual focus on teaching and freelance design, emphasizing the intersection of art and technology.