Discover the newly released Design History Reader: An Emerging Vision for a New Narrative, a groundbreaking book that challenges who decides what counts as “good design.” Edited by Kristen Coogan and shaped through collaborative research with hundreds of students, this vibrant volume expands the canon beyond Western norms, celebrating cultural authenticity, innovation within tradition, social impact, and historical significance. From Afrofuturist visionaries to Indigenous textile artists, feminist designers, and activist visual culture, each chapter reveals design as a dynamic force of identity, resistance, and creativity. Join Coogan and nationally recognized graphic designer and educator Doug Scott for an evening of conversation on graphic design and the way its history is being told and taught. A book signing will follow this presentation.  

Pair a good book with a glass of wine from the ICA Wine + Coffee Bar during your visit.  

About Kristen Coogan

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Kristen Coogan is an Associate Professor of Art, and Chair of Graduate Graphic Design at Boston University. Her work has been recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and Print Magazine. She received a BFA in Art + Design from North Carolina State University, an MA in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College, and an MFA in Graphic Design from California Institute of the Arts. 

About Doug Scott

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Doug Scott has been teaching graphic design for over 50 years, including at the Rhode Island School of Design, Northeastern University, and Yale University, among other educational institutions. He has been a visiting critic at over 40 schools and has given over 260 lectures on art and design history and his work. Scott has also designed over 200 books for prominent publishers and has won numerous awards for his work. 

Accessibility

  • Accessible seating is available first-come first-served and may be selected upon theater entry. Please contact our Visitor Services team at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 for more information.
  • Assistive listening devices are available for all theater programs at the theater entrance.
  • A link to live captioning will be shared by the day of the event and will be available in the theater.
  • ASL interpretation is available by advance request; please contact our Visitors Services team at 617-478-3100 or visitorservices@icaboston.org to make a request.

Are there other access accommodations that would be useful to help you fully participate in this program? Let us know at accessibility@icaboston.org or learn more about Accessibility at the ICA at icaboston.org/accessibility.

This program has been made possible through generous outreach support from AIGA Boston.