Brian Switzer

Brian Switzer studied Graphic Design at BFA University of Illinois, graduating in 1989 and has been Professor of Communication Design at Hochschule Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG) since 2005 . His research interests are the links between design research methods and practical implementation. His interest in design systems began during a Master's programme (MDes) in Chicago under the supervision of Professor Charles Owen at the Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology (1991-1993). As part of a study of »structured planning«, complex design problems can be 'de-constructed' and, using two computer programmes derived from Christopher Alexander's »Notes on the Synthesis of Form«, rebuilt to provide structures and solutions.

Brian Switzer is a founding member of Institut für Professionelles Schreiben; Bild-, Präsentations- und Schreibrhetorik (the Institute of Professional Language - rhetoric of the image, presentation and the written word  – IPS in short) at the Hochschule Konstanz University of Applied Sciences.

An integral part of his professional know-how is the practical development of design systems, guidelines and systematic visual languages in the sphere of corporate design. This has included work at: MetaDesign, Berlin (1995-1997) (currently Germany's top brand strategy agency), MetaDesign, London (1997-1999), and envision+ (independent agency from 2000).

Selected projects:

• IQF research project; We.search – a community-based research platform, in collaboration with the University of Design (HfG) Schwäbisch Gmünd (2011-2015)
• Project management for a guidance and orientation system for the community of Reichenau island (2007-2010), envision+
• Project management for Ferrari corporate website (1999-2000), Icon Medialab Milano, envision+
• Project management for Skoda Auto Corporate Design project (1997-1999), MetaDesign, London