Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication

5.5.2023 / Week 5 - Week 8
Marcus Leong Ka Shing / 0363643
Typography / BDCM / Taylors Uni
Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication

LECTURES

Previous lectures in Task 1.
Week 6: Typo06_Screen&Print

Typefaces like Caslon, Garamond, and Baskerville were originally created for printed material, as they were designed with the intention of being read on paper rather than screens. These classic typefaces are commonly used in print due to their elegant and intellectual qualities, while still maintaining excellent readability even at small font sizes.

Web-optimized typefaces are modified to enhance readability and performance on screens. This includes adjustments like taller x-height, wider letterforms, open counters, heavier thin strokes and serifs, reduced stroke contrast, and modified curves and angles for certain designs.

A hyperlink is a clickable element, typically in the form of text or an image, that connects to another location or resource on the internet. It allows users to navigate and access different web pages, documents, or media by simply clicking on the hyperlink.

Text in printed books is commonly set at 10pt because we typically read them at a close distance. However, if we were to read the same text at arm's length, it would be more comfortable to have it set at a minimum of 12pt, which is equivalent to 16 pixels onscreen. Having a strong understanding of typography is crucial in all design disciplines. Therefore, possessing a good grasp of typography will prove immensely valuable in various aspects of design.
 
  INSTRUCTIONS

Task 2 requires creating a two-page editorial spread with dimensions of 200 x 200. The provided text should be used to express the content, and no images or colors are permitted. However, the design may include minimal elements such as lines or shades as needed. Adobe Illustrator can be utilized to present the headline, while Adobe InDesign is used for composing and presenting the body text.

Before I began doing my task, I set out to do some research on editorial texts as well as type classification posters to have an idea on how to create my own using Bauhaus. 

Fig 2.0 Research


1. Sketches
Fig 2.1 Layout Sketch

After doing some research on editorial texts with themes of type classification, I came up with 3 sketches with a general theme and decide to implement them into Indesign. I first made the Bauhaus logo using illustrator, as I was more familiar with the platform. 


Fig 2.2 

I wanted to create a blur effect using the title and came up with a few designs for the logo. 

Fig 2.3 Bauhaus Designs

As I moved on to make the layout of the editorial text, I wanted to emphasize on Bauhaus as the subject and create a visual hierarchy as readers read the text. However, after the first feedback on my layout, I realize that this logo did not suit the subject of Bauhaus at it has no relation to the blur effect at all. 

Fig 2.4 Bauhaus Design 2

After reading more about what Bauhaus means, I decide to implement the core understanding of Bauhaus into the design layout. I added shapes to show contrast as well as lines extending from some of the letters. This way it allows me to create a spread later on in my document layout that stretches across the entire page. 


2. Layout Progress

After I made sure the text formatting is all accurate, I proceeded to create few layouts to decide. I made changes according to the feedback. 
Fig 2.5 Layout Ideas

Fig 2.6

This was my first attempt at the layout design and the same one I sent for the first progression check. I understand after the first progression check that it is very similar to the samples given. Hence, I had a complete redesign and layout plan. 

Fig 2.5 Shortlisted Layout 1

My second redesign was much better and "original" compared to the first. I included the use of grey patches on the text layout which Mr Vinod liked but advised me to reduce the amount of shapes on the Bauhaus logo. I was not sure if the Bauhaus would still have its identity if I took away the shapes, so I decided to keep the shape on the letter "U" but remove everything else. 

Fig 2.6 Shortlisted Layout 2

I explored more by changing the dynamic to see whether it would suit the overall layout better. 


Fig 2.7 Shortlisted Layout 3

I made many changes according to the feedback received in week 7. First I reduced the amount of grey shapes used in the Bauhaus subject to avoid creating too much of a cluttered look. I also made tweaks of the subtitles under Bauhaus so it has more even space between letterforms. I then changed the opacity of the all grey patches to a light but visible shade. 

Margins: 10 mm
Gutter: 20 mm

Head
Font: Futura Std and Univers Lt Std

Subhead
Font: ITC New Baskerville Std and Univers LT Std

Body
Font: Univers Lt Std
Type Size: 10 pt
Leading: 12 pt
Paragraph spacing: 12 pt
Characters per-line: 55
Alignment: left justified

3.Layout
Fig 2.8 Final Layout


<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YKHY2NCuEm1N2yn1pknBs3Yab1x9z5SO/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>


Fig 2.9 Final Layout with Gridlines


<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dacrSYf9_7tjPwcs7P1Si3jmfbIuo22S/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>

Feedback:

Week 6:
General Feedback: To ensure the desired shade of gray for the body text, test it by partially closing your eyes. Ensure that the spacing between words is justified and has a minimum gap of 5mm. Additionally, be cautious with hyphenation. When crafting the headline, aim for a balanced expression of emotion without excessive exaggeration, keeping it clean and straightforward.

Specific Feedback: The overall formatting is good, however idea seems very similar to sample student e-portfolio.

Week7:
General Feedback: Task 3 fonts can be found in Fontshare or Google Fonts.
        
Specific Feedback: Too many grey shapes on the Bauhaus title. Overall formatting is ok. Both redesigns are fine. 

Reflection 

Experience: Overall I found this task to be more fun as it had more room for creativity. I really enjoyed every step of the way from creating the design of the Bauhaus subject and playing around with ways to have it stand out. Even though there were problems I did not feel demotivated by it. 

Observations: I realize many people from the class had very cool ideas for their editorial texts. I thought of different ideas for different texts but in the end I chose the Bauhaus editorial text because I felt most comfortable doing it. 

Findings: From this second task, I learned that the overall design of the editorial text comes second. Readability and visual hierarchy is the most important to make sure the readers get the message of the whole text. 

Further Reading

Fig 2.10 

I read 3 chapters of this book in the span of these few weeks while doing task 2 to understand better and implement the layouts I learned.

Week 6
"Ma: Creating Space and Balance" 
In Japanese layout design, the concept of "ma" refers to the space between objects or elements. It emphasizes the importance of creating balance and harmony by using negative space effectively. This chapter explores the principles of ma and how it is applied in various design contexts, such as interior design, graphic design, and architecture. It delves into the techniques used to achieve a sense of spaciousness and tranquility through careful placement and arrangement of elements.

Week 7
"Wabi-Sabi: Embracing Imperfection" 
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that appreciates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and the natural cycle of growth and decay. In this chapter, you will learn how wabi-sabi influences Japanese layout design. It explores the use of organic shapes, asymmetry, and weathered textures to create a sense of rustic simplicity and a connection to nature. The chapter also discusses the role of mindfulness and the acceptance of imperfections in design. 

Week 8
"Hierarchy and Visual Order" 
Japanese layout design often emphasizes hierarchy and visual order to guide the viewer's attention and create a clear communication hierarchy. This chapter explores the principles of hierarchy in Japanese design, including the use of size, position, and color to establish visual prominence. It examines the concept of "nakadaka-no-chi" (the middle stands out) and how it influences the arrangement of elements in a design. The chapter also discusses the importance of creating visual flow and balance to enhance the overall composition.

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