MICHELANGELO SCHOLAR PUBLISHING LIMITED

Design History

Focusing on innovative theories grounded in design practice and their historical development

Latest Articles

Understanding the Interdisciplinary Nature of DH

DH embraces the interdisciplinary nature of design service and social innovation, recognizing that effective solutions often emerge from the convergence of diverse perspectives and expertise. The journal welcomes contributions from various fields, including design, sociology, education, public health, engineering, and business, to foster a holistic understanding of social challenges and opportunities.

By encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing, DH aims to break down silos and promote innovative approaches that integrate insights from multiple disciplines. This interdisciplinary focus enables us to address complex social issues in a comprehensive and nuanced manner, leading to more sustainable and impactful outcomes.

ISSN: 3106-0390(Print), 3106-0404(Online)

Frequency: Semi-annual

Editorial Committee

Vol 1, 2025

Open Access

Review Article

The Landscape of Everyday Life: Design Research on the Memetic Characteristics of the " Side Law and Law of Frontality " Figure in the Kangjia Shimenzi Rock Paintings

DH 2025, 1(1), 16-29; https://doi.org/10.59528/ms.dh2025... - October 14, 2025

Min Wang *

Abstract: This study focuses on the figure of the "Side Law and Law of Frontality" features and explores the memetic features that have cultural symbolism. Previous research has mostly been conducted from the perspective of history and ethnology. There are two sets of figures, one of which, "double opposing horses", between the upper figures in the rock paintings, can provide strong evidence of figure conventions in rock paintings. By comparing their external forms, the figure of "double opposing horses" in the Kangjia Shimenzi rock art is similar to that of "double opposing horses" in the Yinshan rock art, indicating a clear memetic relationship between the two. The combination of Side Law's "double opposing horses" and the character's "Law of Frontality" is a combination of two fundamental meme paradigms. This combination phenomenon reflects a visual need for "completeness". These figures convey the local tribes' wishes for fertility and witchcraft. As a form of cultural inheritance, memetic figures embody the principle of Gestalt in that they maintain the integrity of an image. In this sense, figures are symbols designed under the influence of cultural memories in rock paintings, which is not only an example of a magical symbol with magical power at the conceptual level, but also a typical example of graphic design language. This study examines the transformation of memes from cultural beliefs to design.

Keywords: The Kangjia Shimenzi Rock Painting; Side Law and Law of Frontality; Memetics Theory; Witch-craft

Abstract: This paper reveals that the theoretical research of design science in China emerged from the field of engineering science and promoted the development of design practice and design education in daily life, which is uneven and incoherent. The study adopts the method of literature review and theoretical analysis, takes the development of design science during the period of 1920s-2020s as the background, and then reviews the exploration and path in China during the period of 1950s-2020s. The study combines the analytical tool of knowledge graph and finds that before the 21st century, design science and design discipline lacked the integration and synergy of knowledge among disciplines, showing the phenomenon of uneven research on design science theory in different disciplines, and divides it into five different basic stages. It points out that since the beginning of the 21st century, the construction of design disciplines and academic research in China have flourished, gradually eliminating the phenomenon of separation between design science research and design practice. In the context of multi-disciplinary and cross-domain, China's design science theory system still needs to be improved under the multidisciplinary framework.

Keywords: Design science; Literature review; Chinese design; Design research

Open Access

Research Article

Problems and Contexts: History of Design Science and Its Exploration in China (1950s-2020s)

DH 2025, 1(1), 1-8; https://doi.org/10.59528/ms.dh2025... - October 10, 2025

Meng Liu *

See Instructions for Authors for manuscript requirements.

Submitting Your Manuscript: m.scholar2023@gmail.com

or Submitting Your Manuscript to our online system: https://ojs.michelangelo-scholar.com/index.php/DH/submissions

October 15th, 2025

DH is an international scholarly journal that was registered in July 2025 and is dedicated to the publication of high-quality original design research (published Semi-annual in print and online simultaneously). DH implements a double-blind peer review process and a no-fee open access policy (we do not charge any fees for either authors or readers), with a focus on design innovation issues in multidisciplinary fields for social services.

Thematic research articles, literature reviews, and book reviews are the three types of original articles accepted by the journal. Among the subjects addressed are design service and assessment, social innovation theory and practice, and design as a driving strategy for social and cultural construction. DH aims to share innovative design ideas and solutions, explore issues such as sustainable design and consumer services, and promote design for harmonious social development and multicultural exchange.

Call for Articles

Core Themes: Human factors, logic, and cultural changes beneath the surface of design practice

Design History: An International Journal actively seeks high-quality submissions that advance scholarly understanding of design's historical dimensions. We welcome diverse methodological approaches, theoretical frameworks, and geographic perspectives that contribute to the evolving discourse in design history.

As an international platform for design historical scholarship, the journal serves as a bridge between academic research and professional practice, fostering dialogue across disciplinary boundaries. We are particularly interested in submissions that demonstrate innovative approaches to archival research, digital humanities methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Articles

We invite original research manuscripts (7,000-9,000 words) on all aspects of design history. Submissions should offer new insights, methodologies, or theoretical frameworks that advance understanding of design's historical dimensions.

Priority areas include decolonial approaches to design history, gender in design practice, environmental design histories, digital design cultures, and cross-cultural design exchanges. We particularly encourage submissions that challenge traditional narratives and introduce underrepresented voices to the field.

Strong research articles demonstrate rigorous archival work, theoretical sophistication, and clear relevance to contemporary design discourse. We welcome comparative studies, transnational analyses, and interdisciplinary approaches that draw on fields such as anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies.

Monographic studies

Design History welcomes proposals for monographic studies addressing emergent themes, methodological innovations, or underexplored geographic contexts. Prospective guest editors should submit a 500-word concept statement and a potential contributor list.

Monographic studies can explore topics such as design and decolonization, sustainable futures, and gender politics in design. We seek proposals that demonstrate scholarly rigor while addressing contemporary concerns relevant to the design history community.

Monographic studies should include 6-8 research articles, an editorial introduction, and may incorporate alternative formats such as visual essays or interviews. Guest editors work closely with our editorial team to ensure coherence and quality across the issue.

Exhibition Reviews

Critical reviews (2,000-2,500 words) of significant design exhibitions are accepted on an ongoing basis. Reviews should contextualize exhibitions within broader currents in design historical scholarship and curatorial practice.

Strong reviews analyze curatorial decisions, assess the exhibition's contribution to public understanding of design history, and engage with the broader implications for the field. We encourage reviews of exhibitions from diverse global contexts.

Reviews should evaluate the exhibition's historical narrative, consider its pedagogical effectiveness, and address questions of accessibility and audience engagement. We particularly welcome reviews that examine how exhibitions contribute to ongoing debates in design history.

Zhewen Zhao *

Keywords: Hochschule für Gestaltung Ulm; Design theory; Design education; Socially useful production

Open Access

Perspective

Unfinished Social Missions: A Literature Review of HfG Ulm Research (1969-2022)

DH 2025, 1(1), 9-15; https://doi.org/10.59528/ms.dh2025... - October 13, 2025

Abstract: This paper offers an insightful review and comprehensive analysis of the research literature on HfG Ulm, delving into five key aspects: the design theory of HfG Ulm, the Ulm Model, design science and methodology, the heritage of design ideology, and research trends. The research on HfG Ulm primarily stems from early European and American scholars, but over the course of the past decade, research findings from countries beyond Europe and America have exhibited a remarkable upwards trend. In particular, Chinese researchers have produced a substantial body of literature on HfG Ulm, exploring it from multiple perspectives, including design science theory, design methodology, and other themes. The more than 50-year history of HfG Ulm research has been a journey towards rediscovering the institution's notable accomplishments and has catalysed advancements in design for industrial culture and social public service ideals associated with HfG Ulm. Notably, contemporary investigations into HfG Ulm are not intended solely to validate the institution's path but rather to reflect upon a transformative period in design history and its exploratory significance.

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The Design History (DH) is an international scholarly journal published by MSPL. DH implements a peer-reviewed, open-access policy for original articles and publishes two times a year (semi-annually) in both print and online formats. All articles in DH are under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY-NC-ND, version 4.0). Copyright for each article belongs to its author(s) and is published by Michelangelo-scholar Publishing Ltd.

DH is an interdisciplinary scholarly field that primarily examines the evolution and development of design objects within their historical and stylistic contexts. It covers a wide scope, including but not limited to the history of the following fields: Involves various design products, such as architecture, fashion, crafts, interior design, textiles, graphic design, industrial design, and product design, etc.

Abstract: This study aims to design and implement an “Ancient Loom Virtual Weaving Interactive Experience System” using VR (Virtual Reality) technology, enabling users to experience the operation of ancient looms—specifically focusing on the Song Dynasty vertical loom- and to validate the system’s usability. Methods: Six representative ancient looms were selected, and their structures and environments were digitally recreated through 3D modeling, rendering, and animation using specialized 3D software. Taking the Song Dynasty vertical loom as a case study, the “Ancient Loom Virtual Weaving Interactive Experience System” was designed for future museums. Results: The system was developed using the Unity 3D engine, followed by usability testing, which demonstrated its ability to provide users with weaving experience. Conclusion: Using the Song Dynasty vertical loom as a case study, this research preliminarily develops a system that allows future museum visitors to operate ancient looms in a virtual environment through VR devices, providing an immersive weaving experience. The study also validates the effectiveness of gesture recognition as a method for virtual interaction, offering valuable insights for enhancing the display and user experience of ancient looms in future museum settings.