Taekyom Lee
My research explores unconventional materials and digital methods to graphic design to create tangible type, graphics, and even designed objects. Designers have worked with the merits and demerits brought with the new technological era while the technological innovations yield influences. The exciting and rapidly changing digital manufacturing methods have influenced many art and design fields, including, but not limited to, graphic design, product design, sculpture, printmaking, and architecture. These new technologies have introduced new tools and methods for pushing the boundaries, both in terms of concept and materiality. The cutting-edge digital techniques play a crucial role in turning intangible ideas into tangible design products with physical substance, also become an agent to build a strong connection between analog and digital environments.
3D printing could also allow us to talk about the notion of printed letters which is still written, but substantial. It became an agent not only to bridge digital and physical experiences but also to enhance visual and tangible interactions. The materialized text accomplishes artistic expression, construction technique, and materiality. Thus, these letters acquire distinct characteristics such as texture, structure, volume, dimension, and even interactivity with their physical tangibility. The physicality makes the designed product playable for everyone. The tangible letterforms still provide visual experience but also provide tactile experiences. The combination of digital methods and digital fabrication enables a new approach to inclusive design. My research can be inspirational for both professional practices and educational settings and encourage creative professionals to launch their own cross-disciplinary research projects with design principles and emerging technologies.
Tangible Type
Medium: 3D printed PLA plastic (Polylactic acid) | Dimension: 6X6X0.5 in (letter)
Type Embossers — Compilation
Medium: 3D printed PLA plastic (Polylactic acid) and bolts | Dimension: 4X4X2 in (piece)
Type Ring and Bracelets — Compilation
Medium: 3D printed Steel, Nylon, and TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) | Dimension: 1.25X1.25X0.25 in (rings. piece) and 3.5X3.5X0.5 in (bracelets. piece)
SPIN
Medium: 3D printed PLA plastic (Polylactic acid) and turntables | Dimension: 8X8X50 in (piece)
Taekyeom is an educator, researcher, and multidisciplinary designer using the artist’s material and artistic sensibility. He is an Assistant professor of Graphic Design at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. His research explores unconventional methods of creating tangible type, graphics, and even designed objects with materials and techniques unique to typography and graphic design. He infused 3D printing into his research and has been experimenting with various methods and materials. He presented through national and international conferences including ATypI, TypeCon, AIGA DEC, ISEA, IEEE VIS, and NCECA. His work has been featured by various media including Communication Arts, Make Magazine, New York magazine, Now This News, Art Insider, and Core 77. His research draws attention nationally and internationally. He exhibited his work and provided workshops and lectures across the country and abroad.