Steve Rigley

Steve Rigley is the Undergraduate Programme Leader for Communication Design at The Glasgow School of Art. He is a Senior Lecturer with a focus on graphic design, typography, and design education, exploring intersections between academic research and practice.

• Research Interests: Graphic design theory, typographic experimentation, sustainable practices in design, cultural studies (particularly India), and interdisciplinary design.
• Collaborations: Worked with colleagues like James Corazzo, Robert Harland, and Alison Honnor on REF-related research and pedagogic frameworks.

Rigley’s publications include critical essays in The Design Journal and Eye magazine, alongside co-authored monographs on design education. His exhibitions (e.g., Like That Only, Scarehead) highlight material culture, vernacular design, and experimental typography. His work often addresses the challenges of establishing academic research culture within graphic design, informed by global policy and educational practices.

Notable Contributions: Participation in the Research Excellence Framework studies, leadership in the GSA Caseroom Research Cluster, and advocacy for letterpress as a pedagogic tool. His projects span from South Indian firework packaging to critiques of digital typefaces like Arial, reflecting on globalization and design’s societal role.