In such a society of power participation, the influence of textbooks such as encyclopedias on individuals’ thinking can be seen as imposing certain restrictions and regulating their minds. In light of this, there is a need to explore how graphic communication design can be used to expand and challenge the boundaries of institutionalized knowledge forms. This exploration aims to foster the development of more democratic and diverse alternatives to knowledge, encouraging thinking and action beyond the confines of top-down knowledge systems.
“Low theory” is a concept Judith Halberstam borrows from cultural theorist Stuart Hall. In her book The Queer Art of Failure(2011), Halberstam employs low theory to challenge mainstream cultural norms and values, offering alternative modes of thought and existence. Thematically, Halberstam rejects conventional measures of success and failure and, through analyzing cultural texts such as literature, film, and performance art, reevaluates prevailing standards of success and failure in everyday life. Significantly, this approach of utilizing non-normative expressive forms as a method of resistance and subversion against mainstream norms serves as a source of inspiration for this project：
Low theory as alternative knowledge, make a long detour around disciplines and ordinary ways of thinking.