Through the collection and study of historical artefacts, the Graphic Archive examines how communication happens within social, cultural and economic contexts, and how communities identify themselves through visual expressions across time and geography.

The Archive is open to the public by appointment for research purposes. It maintains a digital database of its collections, takes on research projects, curates exhibitions, publishes as well as organises public engagement activities on visual culture.

The Centre for Communication Design at Hong Kong Design Institute is an applied research and consultancy hub dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in all areas of graphic communication including typography, information design, advertising, user experience design, illustration, brand communications as well as printing and publishing. It acts as a knowledge exchange platform between staff, students as well as external organisations, tightly integrating practice, research, teaching and outreach activities.