is an experimental print guide and interactive publication designed take
the reader on an unconventional adventure, probing them to uncover the dynamic and vibrant cultural landscapes of Melbourne, it’s best-kept
secrets and hidden gems, one typographic specimen at a time.
PARTNER : Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
KEYWORDS : Experimental Book Design, Interactive Publication Design, Travel, Typography
01
Unearthing the Hidden
Flavours of Melbourne City
This cosmopolitan capital of Australia boasts
a vibrant culture of festivals, an alluring lifestyle
and an eclectic landscape for all things creative
- food, music, art, design and more.
Rooted along the artsy alleys of this Victorian city, hide creative specimens holding stories about the socio-cultural front of its past, present and future.
My ‘outsider’ experience as an international exchange student served as an inspiration for
the making of this unconventional city guide, embarking the reader on a curated type walk to discover Melbourne’s secret alleys and laneways.
02
Project Objective
& Final Outcome
👉 Deliverable: Experimental Print Publication +
Interactive Digital Publication
Adopting an experience-first approach, Hidden aims to document and deliver the most intriguing aspects of the city’s culture from abandoned graffiti lanes and wall paste-ups to hand-painted signboards and fading street art.
The guide is structured with easter eggs for
off-beat explorers and type-enthusiasts to fuel curiosity and creativity, urging people to step out, stay observant and find magic in every corner.
03
Design Rationale &
Content
Curation:
👉 Typewalk Guide Concept: The typography-driven approach was chosen as a means to provide readers with the opportunity to explore the city with a fresh lens and to instil intrique to find magic in the mundane.
It also provides the readers with a glimpse of what the subject of ‘Typography’ entails, the various characteristics, classifications and applications
of type as a means of inspiring them to learn and experiment with the medium.
👉 Curating Creative Specimens: The distinct type specimens were selected along three paths Hosier Lane, Glenferrie Road and St. Kilda based on parameters such as nature of the experience, cultural significance and more
👉 Prototyping & Structure Details: After prototyping & testing options for the publication form, the concertina structure was selected as it resonated with the concept of ‘unfolding and discovering a new world at every turn’.