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Typography Task 2/Typographic Exploration & Communication

2/5/2023 - 28/5/2023 / Week  6 - Week 8
Janice Marie Eng Chia Hui  / 0361521
Typography / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylors University 
Task  2 Typographic Exploration & Communication

Table of Contents:

Lectures

Lectures have been completed in Task 1. Link for tutorials lesson given by Mr Vinod for this task.

Instructions

Task 2 / Typographic Exploration & Communication 

1. Searching for ideas/inspo

We were given 3 text to choose from for one text that we wished to format. The one I decided to do was called 'The Role of Bauhaus Thought on Modern Culture'. Whew what a long title. After I did a bit of read up on Bauhaus, I went on Google and Pinterest to search from some inspo. Bauhaus seems to like primary colours and geometric shapes.

Figure 1.1 Inspo 1

Figure 1.2 Inspo 2 

Figure 1.3 Inspo 3

2. Layout/Idea Exploration

After gathering info and inspo, I decided to start the text formatting in InDesign. In the end I decided to go with the sketch that leaned into the geometric elements that is so used in Bauhaus designs. I tried to mind the flow of words? I'm not sure if it worked.

Figure 1.4 Sketches (7/5/23)

Figure 1.5 Heading Design in AI (7/5/23)

Text formatting bahaus with heading on top
text formatting bauhaus left heavy
Figure 1.6 Different layouts (7/5/23)

After getting feedback from Sir, I changed my layout accordingly.

Bauhaus layout with the giant heading on top
Bauhaus layout with lines
Figure 1.7 Layouts after Feedback (10/5/23)

Figure 1.8 Blocks (10/5/23)
Figure 1.9 Additional Block (15/5/23)

3. Final Layout

I went and re-adjust the letterspacing and tried to arrange the text in a better way because Sir mentioned how the bottom of my text looked too ragged. So I tried to smoothen it out, at least I hope I did.

Margins: 12.7 mm
Gutter: 5 mm

Head
Font : Univers Lt Std

Body
Font : Univers Lt Std
Type size: 9 pt
Leading : 11 pt
Paragraph spacing : 11pt
Characters per line : 34
Alignment : Left-align

Figure 1.9 The Role of Bauhaus Thought On Modern Culture Final(10/5/23)


Figure 1.10 The Role of Bauhaus Thought On Modern Culture Final (PDF)(10/5/23)

Figure 1.11 The Role of Bauhaus Thought On Modern Culture Final (Grid)(10/5/23)

Figure 1.12 The Role of Bauhaus Thought On Modern Culture Final (Grid/PDF)(10/5/23)

Feedback

Week 6
General Feedback : Text must be aligned with something
Specific Feedback : Fix the arrangement of the text, take away graphical elements, and try to fill up the bottom space with something else

Week  7
General Feedback : Do not use a black background for your layout 

Reflection 

My experience during this task is better than the last one. The previous exercise gave me the basic knowledge to do the stuff in this task, so things went smoother, a bit.

My observation for this task is that trying to make all text fit into a spread as well as putting in graphical elements into the spread can be quite challenging. The fonts cannot be too small lest the readability decreases. This is my 1st time using 3 columns of text so that was a challenge. I had to get... innovative? to try and fit all the text into the spread along with all the graphical elements. 

My findings for this task is that creating a layout is hard. Research needs to be done before starting and coming up with something suitable is very time consuming and makes my brain hurt. 

Further Reading 


Figure 2.1 Teapot designed by Marianne Brandt

This article talks about the history of Bauhaus and mentions some of the famous designers of the Bauhaus Movement as well as showcasing some of the art from that movement. 

2. Typographic Design Form and Communication (pg 65- pg84)

Figure 2.2 Typographic Design Form and Communication

This section of the book introduces us to the history and uses/importance of grids in type. The book says that the grid we know today is rooted from columnar cuneiform tables impressed by the Mesopotamians. The development of the modern grid cannot be attributed to a single individual as is constantly being developed on as time passes. 

Next is structure and space which tells us that space us a common denominator for typographic communication. The book recommends we think of type in space with grids. For example to imagine grid line extending from objects in space. The book also says that changing the orientation of the letterform within a closed space can how we perceive it. For example, rotating a letter makes it appear to tumble. People are also more used to horizontally grounded text compared to vertically grounded text.

Figure 2.3 Letter T in different orientations

Following this is proportion. It is important to understand that he typographic grid is a system of proportions. While designers rely on an innate sense of proportion, it is also important to consider modals that has been handed down over the centuries. An example is the golden section which focuses on the ratio between 2 numbers where the sum of the numbers is the same as the ratio [a:b = b:(a+b)]. The Fibonacci sequence is also another important model. Moving on we have the square which can lead to an infinite possibilities of visual pattern when put together.  

Figure 2.4 The Golden spiral/Fibonacci Sequence

Next on the list we have single(like me hahahahaha) column grids. For simple text, it is often set as a single block. This is due to budget constraints, standard paper size and the function of typographic information.  It is important to consider the text block and the margins of the page. Margins help set the typographic stage and accommodate elements that support the text. Single-column grids may seem simple but actually require a lot of attention to detail(leading etc) from the designer.

Figure 2.5 Example of Single Block grid

Moving forward, we have multicolumn grids, which are base on the Cartesian coordinate system of intersecting perpendicular axes. It is important to understand the content of your text and who it's meant for before designing the layout. Multicolumn grids contain a lot of characteristics to help place your text in. Ensure that the type is organized with a clear clear visual pathway. Always make sure that the little details like type size, line length and interline spacing(leading) is properly arranged/set. Rhythm  can also be achieved in text by repetition or contrast. Experimenting with the column can lead to visually interesting results. 

Figure 2.6 Multicolumn grid

Modular grids allows for better presentation of complex information. The more complex the grid structure the more flexible the organizational possibilities. However too much variety deprives the design of hierarchical clarity, while too much unity makes the experience boring for the reader. 

Figure 2.7 Modular Grid

Improvisational structures evolve in response to the specific elements of information as opposed to modular grids. Once the dominant element is determined, we would be able t arrange them in the spatial field with correct visual hierarchy.

Figure 2.8 David Colley poster

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