Research / Publications
The Ligatures Special Interest Group (SIG) is committed to advancing the boundaries of type design, printmaking, and visual communication. Through collaborative research, our members and graduate students explore the intersection of traditional and contemporary design practices.
Below, we highlight completed and ongoing projects within the SIG, showcasing the innovative work led by our members and their contributions to the field.
The publications produced by the SIG and its members include
- Books (2): Research monographs and comprehensive works.
- Book Chapters (4): Contributions to edited volumes.
- Journal Articles (3): Peer-reviewed papers published in recognized academic journals.
- Articles in Proceedings (12): Contributions to national and international conference proceedings.
- Communications (16): Presentations and lectures at academic and professional events.
- Whitepapers (2): Documents providing guidelines, best practices, and research insights.
- Patent Applications (1): Innovations submitted for legal protection and intellectual property rights.
- Software Models & Source Files (4): Open-source and proprietary software tools and their corresponding source code.
- Compiled Software & Digital Artifacts (6): Packaged digital works, including typefaces, design templates, and other creative digital outputs.
Please note: This webpage is under development. The current project list is incomplete and missing hyperlinks and additional details. Check back in early 2025 for the final version.
Current Projects & Selected Publications
Hybrid Printing and Digital Computational Systems
This project explores the development of systems that integrate digital fabrication with traditional letterpress printing, combining analog processes and computational tools to create unique compositions.
Team Members
Angelo Ferreira (MD / ESMAD-IPP)
Ana Rita Antunes (MDGPE / FBAUP)
Selected Publications
Hybrid Printing: Bridging Analog and Digital Processes in Contemporary Letterpress. Porto: University of Porto Press.
Ferreira, A., & Antunes, A. R. (2024).
Hybrid Letterpress Digital Fabrication Suite. GitHub Repository.
Revival and Contemporary Digital Typeface Design
A research initiative focusing on custom typefaces designed to promote cultural figures, raise awareness of social and environmental issues, and reflect modern design challenges.
Team Members
Ricardo Sousa & Rui Marques (LDC / FBAUP)
Bruno Barros, Cristiana Brás, Inês Loureiro & Bruna Sousa (MDGPE / FBAUP)
Joana Teixeira (MDGPE / FBAUP)
Tiago Rego (MDGPE / FBAUP)
Selected Publications
Type Design for Cultural Preservation: A Case Study of Custom Revival Typefaces. Journal of Typography Research, 12(3), 54-68.
Sousa, R., & Marques, R. (2023).
Custom Revival Typeface Suite for Social Advocacy. OpenType Font
Package.
Variations and Adaptations for Provisional Printing Proof Presses
A project aimed at improving the functionality and versatility of traditional proof presses, enhancing their applications in contemporary printmaking.
Team Members
Pedro Amado, Cristina Ferreira & Maíra Woloszyn (FBAUP / i2ADS & UFSC)
Angelo Ferreira (MD / ESMAD-IPP)
Sara Tavares (MDGPE / FBAUP)
Selected Publications
Rethinking Proof Presses: Innovations in Analog and Digital Printing Technologies. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Print and Digital Heritage (pp. 23-40).
Amado, P., Ferreira, C., & Woloszyn, M. (2024).AI and Games in Type Design
Researching the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Ludic Design, and Game Theory to push the boundaries of digital typography and its applications in education.
Team Members
Pedro Amado, Catarina Silva (FBAUP / i2ADS & ESD-IPCA / ID+)
Laura Mineiro (MDGPE / FBAUP)
Maria Ribeiro (MDGPE / FBAUP)
Selected Publications
AI in Type Design: Game Theory and Computational Creativity in Typography Education. Design Futures Quarterly, 8(2), 112-130.
Silva, C., & Mineiro, L. (2024).
Adaptive Typography Game Engine: Combining Ludic Design with
AI-Based Typeface Creation. European Patent Application No.
202401232.