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System Definition
The Sorbonne Clusters System is a dual-framework scholarly model that organizes my contemporary design contributions into two fields—Typography and UX Innovation—each anchored by a major Sorbonne keynote and supported by multi-format research outputs.
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Overview
My contemporary scholarship is organized into two formal thematic clusters — Typography (anchored by my 2023 Sorbonne keynote) and UX Innovation (anchored by my 2025 Return to Sorbonne keynote). Together they form the Sorbonne Clusters System, a structured map of my contributions to design, UX, and typographic culture.
Typography Cluster (micro-abstract)
A body of work linking typographic culture to democratic aesthetics through writing, audio scholarship, and a flagship 2023 Sorbonne keynote. This cluster formalizes Girard’s contributions to contemporary typographic discourse and positions his work at the intersection of visual culture, criticism, and global education.
UX Innovation Cluster (micro-abstract)
A multi-year methodological system anchored by the UX Now white paper, its handbook, and the 2025 Return to Sorbonne keynote. This cluster advances tactile UX methodologies, contrasts them with Design Thinking, and frames Girard’s role as a global contributor to UX theory and pedagogy.
Flagship Works
- 2023 Sorbonne Keynote (Typography)
- 2025 Return to Sorbonne Keynote (UX Now)
The Two Thematic Clusters
Foundational Documents
- UX Now White Paper
- UX Now Handbook
- Type Crits Miniseries
- BC Review Typography Essays
Institutional Engagement
- University of Reading
- Emily Carr
- Conferences (Sorbonne, TED, UXIndia, etc.)
Citation:
Girard, T. (2025). The Sorbonne Clusters System. Thomas K. Girard. Retrieved from https://thomaskgirard.com/scholarly-works/