Define, Test & Prepare.
As I move into the second phase of defining, testing, and refining my idea, I plan to narrow my topic into three focused threads that will guide my essay and shape my studio practice. Over the coming weeks, my work will centre on gathering both primary and secondary research. For primary research, I intend to interview Dr. Ghada Alsaleh, a Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunology and Autophagy, to gain a deeper understanding of cellular biology. Dr. Alsaleh will explain key biological concepts, and I’ll also visit a laboratory at Oxford University to observe and document scientific work firsthand. This will form the foundation of my first thread, focusing on the biological research behind my project and helping clarify my concept’s core elements.
Following this, I’ll explore generative typography, developing a second thread on biomimicry in typography. This exploration will investigate how biological structures and processes can inspire typographic forms, with a focus on biomimicry in visual communication. I aim to understand how cellular shapes, patterns, and adaptive qualities can be reflected in typography, resulting in organic and visually dynamic letterforms.
For my third thread, I’ll look at how visual abstraction in typography can communicate complex scientific concepts, making them more accessible and engaging. This section will explore how typographic forms can simplify intricate biological ideas, striking a balance between scientific accuracy and visual clarity to reach a broader audience. Together, these three threads will create a comprehensive foundation for my research and studio practice.
How can I begin to start testing the viability of my project’s Idea?
Who do I need to talk to?
Do I run any particular events, workshops, activities?
Conducting Primary Research:
Exploring things through my tiny microscope:
When I started this project, I wasn’t sure where it would take me. My initial idea was broad—should I focus on humans or explore the fascinating world of non-human living organisms? To figure it out, I turned to my trusty little microscope, a gadget so simple yet powerful it felt like a gateway to another universe. I spent hours examining the tiniest details of leaves, fabrics, wood, and so many other materials. Each texture, each pattern, was a revelation, like uncovering a hidden language I never knew existed.
At first, I was completely mesmerised by the beauty of these non-human organisms. The intricate veins of a leaf, the fibres of a piece of cloth, even the surface of a painted canvas—all transformed into something extraordinary under the microscope. But as much as I was captivated by these otherworldly details, a question kept tugging at the back of my mind: What about me? What about the unseen world inside my own body?
That’s when everything clicked. The more I explored, the more I realised my fascination wasn’t just about the things I was looking at—it was about the act of looking itself. It was about understanding the layers of life, not just around me but within me. I became curious about what my own cells might look like, how they change, adapt, and tell their own story of resilience and transformation. This process helped me find the heart of my project. It’s not just about observing the beauty of the microscopic world—it’s about connecting with it on a deeply personal level. By shifting my focus to human cells, I found a way to bridge the gap between science, design, and self-discovery. And now, every step of this journey feels like peeling back a layer, getting closer to something both universal and profoundly personal.
Dr. Ghada Alsaleh:
Dr. Ghada Alsaleh is a prominent researcher at the Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, part of the University of Oxford. Her work delves into cellular and molecular processes related to ageing and disease, aiming to uncover innovative ways to mitigate the effects of ageing. As a key contributor to the “Anti-Age Project,” she explores the intersection of immune biology and space research, offering groundbreaking perspectives on how we understand and tackle the ageing process.
I first reached out to Dr. Alsaleh via email to share details about my design-driven project. After an initial exchange, we scheduled a Zoom call, which she preferred not to record initially to foster a personal connection. During the discussion, I presented my previous design work and explained my vision of turning scientific concepts into creative typographic designs. Dr. Alsaleh was captivated by the idea of bridging science and design, especially the prospect of translating biological processes into visual art.
Encouraged by our conversation, she arranged for me to visit her lab at the Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences. During the visit, she introduced me to her team and provided a detailed yet approachable walkthrough of their research and facilities. Understanding my background as a designer new to biology, she explained complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
Lab Visit with Dr. Ghada Alsaleh:
Sound on:
One of the highlights of my lab visit was selecting a focus for my project. Dr. Alsaleh presented me with various immune cells, explaining their roles and characteristics. After further research, I decided to center my project on macrophages, a versatile type of immune cell that plays a critical role in the body’s defense system. Macrophages are fascinating because of their ability to change shape and their function as the body’s “clean-up crew.” They engulf harmful pathogens, clear debris, and promote tissue repair, embodying resilience and adaptability. Their transformative nature resonates deeply with my project, which seeks to explore the progression from illness to recovery. This personal connection stems from my own experience of battling a weak immune system and wanting to understand the journey of healing.
The goal of my project is to create a typeface inspired by macrophages, capturing their dynamic forms and essential function in maintaining health. These cells symbolize transformation and resilience, qualities I aim to reflect in the typeface’s design. By studying their diverse shapes and roles, I hope to craft a visual representation that celebrates the elegance and complexity of biological processes.
Dr. Alsaleh’s mentorship, combined with the immersive experience at the Botnar Institute, has been instrumental in this journey. Her insights have bridged the gap between science and design, enabling me to connect deeply with the subject and bring my vision to life. This unique collaboration underscores the power of interdisciplinary approaches, uniting the realms of biology and art in a compelling and meaningful way.
Brainstorming Process
Mind Mapping:
Macrophages in different tissues:
Pinterest Inspiration:
Initial Ideas:
Experimenting with Galapagos Game:
Playing around with the Galápagos Game was a great way to break my creative block. It got me thinking about type as something flexible and evolving, not just fixed shapes. It was just an experiment, but it sparked fresh ideas for my project’s focus on change and adaptation. It reminded me how valuable it is to step back and try something different when I’m stuck.
Looking at this image immediately reminded me of macrophages and their fascinating cycles of evolution, adaptation, and change. Macrophages start as small, individual cells but transform as they interact with their environment—merging, adapting, and evolving based on their function and the organ they inhabit, whether it’s the brain, liver, skin, or bones.
This visual inspired me to think differently about typography. Instead of designing isolated letters, I could explore creating typefaces that reflect cycles of transformation. Just as the circles in this image combine and morph into complex, organic shapes, I could design alphabets that evolve through different stages, taking inspiration from the unique processes of macrophages in various organs. Each typeface could represent the characteristics of macrophages in specific environments, creating a system of letters that tell a story of change and adaptation. It’s a concept that turns typography into a living, evolving system just like the cells that inspired it.
Conducting Secondary Research:
Videos of real life Macrophages under a microscope:
“Macrophages at work” animation:
Claymation Projects:
External Panel Review Presentation:
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Hello Everyone,
My name is Dalal, and for my final major project, I’m exploring the connection between biology and typography. The idea came to me during a series of health illnesses, which made me reflect on the changes happening within my body—I started to think about how cells grow, decay, and regenerate in a constant cycle of transformation. This reflection led me to see biology as what keeps my body moving and typography as what fuels my mind, inspiring me to bring these two worlds together to visually represent the concept of change.
So for my research, I’m focusing on three main threads. The first is macrophage transformation. Macrophages are immune cells in the body that act like defenders—they identify and destroy infections. What makes them fascinating is their ability to shape-shift and change their role depending on the organ they’re in, whether it’s the brain, liver, or skin.
The second is biological adaptability and cycles, where I will be studying the dynamic behaviour of macrophages—how they identify, engulf, and destroy
The third is biomimicry in generative typography, where I’m exploring how the adaptability of macrophages can inspire algorithmic typography by mimicking their forms and turning them into dynamic typographic designs.
My research question is still a work in progress and may evolve as my project develops. Currently, it asks: “How can the transformations of macrophages—immune cells that adapt and shape-shift to fight infections and repair tissue—be visualised through generative design, connecting biological adaptability with typographic form?”
Since I’m studying cells, I wanted to experiment with a small microscope to see what real-life objects look like when zoomed in. I was amazed at how they lose their identity and shape to the point where you can’t even tell what the object really is. This got me even more interested in exploring things that can’t be seen without a lab microscope, pushing me to dive deeper into the microscopic world.
So I scheduled an interview and lab visit with Dr. Ghada Alsaleh, a leading researcher at the Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences at the University of Oxford. During our meeting, she shared exclusive articles and images and provided a detailed explanation of macrophages. I also had the unique opportunity to observe them under a microscope, allowing me to visualise their distinctive shapes.
The images displayed here showcase macrophages in different organs and at various stages of their transformation.
So, studying macrophages has revealed a connection between their dynamic, ever-changing forms and the rules of typography, which focus on shape, structure, and adaptability. Typography is about creating letters that communicate visually while remaining functional and versatile. By drawing inspiration from macrophages, my aim is to create a typeface that reflect qualities like—fluid yet structured, organic yet functional—creating a unique visual language that mirrors biological transformation and typographic design principles.
Thank you for your time. I have three questions and would greatly appreciate your valuable insights and feedback on them.
FeedBack:
The feedback I received from the external panel review was incredibly productive because it provided valuable insights and actionable suggestions to push my project further. The discussion focused on the development and potential applications of my typeface, with an emphasis on collaboration and experimentation. One key takeaway was the importance of context and storytelling in how the typeface is used. It was suggested that I explore collaborating with motion designers or scientists to bring new dimensions and unexpected interpretations to the project. I also received praise for the depth of my research, with a recommendation to apply the generative logic to existing typefaces as a way to explore further possibilities. Another exciting idea was the use of generative materials like clay, which could add a tangible, experimental quality to the process. The panel encouraged me to redefine generative design to include materials that introduce an element of unpredictability, and I was provided with resources to explore this approach.
Finally, the panel highlighted the importance of keeping the project alive and evolving through collaboration. They encouraged me to reach out to various experts, platforms, and creative communities to keep experimenting and pushing the boundaries of what this typeface can achieve. This feedback has given me fresh perspectives and a clear direction to further develop my work.
