Stacie Rohrbach is an assistant professor in the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University. She teaches studio- and seminar-based courses at all levels of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. The courses that Rohrbach teaches focus on design fundamentals, typography, visual perception, and dynamic information design. She is interested in the way people perceive and process information, and how their ability to learn may be improved by using visuals, sound, and motion to translate complex, abstract information into concrete, experiential forms. Rohrbach is also concerned with the relationships that exist between print and digital mediums and the methods educators use to teach and evaluate visual communication in professional and general education settings.
Rohrbach’s research explores the potential for dynamic information design to be used as educational tools, requiring participation and input from viewers. This study includes an investigation of visuals, sound, and motion as support mechanisms for learning. In the study these variables are used to create environments that encourage exploration and discovery, provide strong entry points into dense bodies of abstract information, and focus on individual learning preferences by enabling meaningful customization. Integrated into the courses that she teaches, Rohrbach studies the correlation of print and digital media and the bearing of cognition on design processes.
Rohrbach’s research also investigates the methods that educators use to teach visual communication through person-to-person and machine-to-person interaction. Working with graduate student, Jeff Tzucker, Rohrbach is exploring the application of language acquistion skills to the recognition and learning of typefaces and how digital media can be used to teach this information effectively. In addition, Rohrbach is working collaboratively with English professor, Suguru Ishizaki. Together they are investigating the use of digital media as a tool for delivering just-in-time, online self-learning tutorials that teach students how to communicate well visually. As part of their research Rohrbach and Ishizaki are exploring the methods that are used to teach visual communication, the application of learning science processes to the teaching of design, and the use of intelligent tutoring systems. They continually apply their discoveries to the development and revision of their tools. Rohrbach and Ishizaki are working to disseminate their work in the form of a book and journals.
Prior to coming to Carnegie Mellon, Rohrbach worked professionally as a design practitioner in both print and digital media. As an art director and designer for Partners Design, she developed identity systems, corporate standards manuals, interactive websites, and product packaging. Rohrbach was also a designer and researcher for North Carolina State University’s Extension and Engagement program, and a designer for Landesberg Design Associates.
Rohrbach holds a Master of Graphic Design from North Carolina State University and a BFA in Graphic Design from Carnegie Mellon University.
