Typography - Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication
Nicole Ng Ying Yan 0382412
GCD60104 Typography
Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 LECTURES
Refer HERE to see all lecture notes.
2.0 INSTRUCTIONS
3.0 PROCESS WORK
3.1 Layout Reference
After choosing Article #1 as the editorial text for Task 2, I went on Pinterest to do some research on Bauhaus related poster designs and typographies.
Figure 3.1 Layout references from Pinterest (Week 6, 27/5/25)
3.2 Ideation
We were told to produce 6 sketches, whether its headline or text layout sketches. I combined both and sketched out 7 different variations of headlines and text layout drafts in AI. As the main elements of Bauhaus design uses geometric shapes, I incorporated squares, circles, triangles, and lines into my designs. Sketch #2 and #5 were chosen as the final drafts.
Figure 3.2 Headline + Text Layout Sketches (Week 6, 27/5/25)
Next, I added in the body text and tried 9 different layout styles along with geometric shapes or frames using the chosen headline designs. Mr Max said either design #2 or #8 is good to proceed, the body text size can be increased to more than 12 pt, just need to be aware of the leading.
Figure 3.2.1 Sketches with body text designs (Week 6, 29/5/25)
I chose design #2 as the final as it was one of my preferred designs as well. Then I made adjustments to the body text size as it was too small to be readable, and did more detailed tracking and kerning.
Adjustments made:
- Body text point size: 12 pt > 14 pt
- Leading: 15 pt > 16.5 pt
- Angle & colour of geometric shapes
3.3 Final Outcome
HEAD LINE
Typeface: Univers LT Std
Font/s: Bold
SUB HEAD LINE
Typeface: Univers LT Std
Font/s: 55 Roman
Type Size/s: 29 pt
BODY
Typeface: Univers LT Std
Font/s: 55 Roman
Type Size/s: 14 pt
Leading: 16.5 pt
Paragraph spacing: 16.5 pt
Characters per-line: 50~60 characters
Alignment: Left justified
Margins (px): 86 top, 104 bottom, 72 inside, 72 outside
Columns: 2
Gutter: 196 px
Figure 3.3 Final text formatting and expression layout (JPEG) (Week 6, 31/5/25)
Figure 3.3.1 Final text formatting and expression layout (PDF) (Week 6, 31/5/25)
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Figure 3.3.3 Final text formatting and expression layout with baseline grid (PDF) (Week 6, 31/5/25)
4.0 FEEDBACK
Week 6
General feedback: Mr Max demonstrated a few ways to combine type expression and text formatting together for Task 2 and informed us to create a new post in our e-portfolio for this task. He also had a feedback session with us on both Task 1 and Task 2 during class.
Specific feedback: Headline design #2 and #5 were chosen for Task 2. Made several designs using the chosen headlines, either draft #2 or #8 is good to proceed. Font point size can be increased, just need to be aware of the leading.
Week 7
General feedback: This week's class was an online consultation session, Mr Max mainly provided feedback and approval for our Task 2 design and layout.
Specific feedback: Showed Mr Max my final design for Task 2 after making the adjustments, he said it's good to proceed and I can insert it in my e-portfolio.
5.0 REFLECTION
Experience
Overall, I quite enjoyed completing Task 2. Throughout the process, I was able to develop my senses in applying my creative thinking skills into my editorial layout design in order to make the final outcome more visually appealing to the readers' eyes. I also learnt how crucial it is to pay close attention while making text formatting changes to improve readability. As Task 2 involved using of both Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, I became more comfortable with the software sand learnt how to use the settings in preferences more effectively than when I used both programs for the first time.
Observations
While completing this task, I discovered that reading the layout design from the readers' viewpoint helps in improving readability in terms of text placement and determining what the readers would find to be the most compelling design when they first view the design outcome. Given that the reader typically reads from top left to bottom right, I also discovered that the headline's location greatly influences how well the reader understands the information as a whole. It is also important to think about how the headline is interpreted because different interpretations can justify different headline placements. For example, it is more appropriate to align the title with the direction of reading for Bauhaus as it places a strong emphasis on geometric shapes and clean lines, whereas the Punk theme emphasises irregularity and rebellion, thus it is better to scatter the headline for better interpretation.
Findings
I found out that sometimes, "less is more". When there are too many ideas and inspirations combined together, the final outcome will turn out messy and cluttered without a main focus. Hence, it is important to just focus on one main element and keep things clean, clear, and minimalistic when needed.
6.0 FURTHER READING
This book provides a concise overview of the 8 major structural systems beyond the traditional ordering systems of the grid – including axial, radial, dilatational, random, grid, modular, transitional, and bilateral systems.
The typographic systems are akin to what architects terms shape grammars. Through shape grammars, styles are identified via rule-based compositional systems. Typographic systems are complex because the elements are dependent on communication in order to function. Additional criteria such as hierarchy, order of reading, legibility, and contrast comes into play.
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