Advanced Typography - Task 1 / Exercise: Typography Systems & Type & Play

30.08.2023 - / Week 1
Chai Wan Sin / 0363470
Advanced Typography / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 1 / Exercise: Typography Systems & Type & Play

---

LECTURES

Lecture 1: Typography Systems

• Typographic arganization has always been a complex system in that there are so many elements at play, such as hierarchy, order of reading, legibility and contrast.
• Kim Elam explores eight major structural frameworks beyond the grid.
• 8 major variations: Axial, Radial, Random, Grid, Modular, Transitional, Bilateral.
• Shape Grammars: a set of rule (unique and provide focuses)

1. Axial System :

• Organised to the left or right of an single axis.
• Divide everything by an axis line and placed in different angles o different sides of the axis.
• The axial can be straight or bent.

2. Radial System :

• Extended from a point of focus.
• Pick a central focal point and place all the content so that it radiates out from the point.

3. Dilatational System :

• Expand from a central point in a circular fashion
• Create a circle (or several) and begin typing along the edges of the circle and place it in a hierarchical manner.

4. Random System :

• No specific pattern or relationship.
• It's random there is a method in the chaos that is created within the page.

5. Grid System :

• A system of vertical and horizontal divisions.
• Takes some math, preparation and heavy dose of discipline to create a good grid layout.
• All the text and graphics fit neatly into columns and rows.

6. Transitional System :

• Layered banding.
• Segregating information within certain bands.

7. Modular System :

• Non-objective elements that are constructed in as a standardised units (shape, size, etc).
• Tend to suggest that the units can be randomly placed even though not within a large grid.

8. Bilateral System :

• Text is arranged symmetrically on a single axis.

---

INSTRUCTION

< />

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16jeISb9Nm7GnJBsVP6i-F5xbT3anbZov/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>

---

Task 1 / Exercise 1 : Typography Systems

For this exercise, we are instructed to investigate these eight systems which are Axial, Radial, Dilatational, Random, Grid, Transitional, Modular and Bilateral.

• Exercise Task can only using Adobe InDesign.
• Canvas Size: 200 x 200 mm
• Limited colour you can use besides black.
• Limited graphical elements (line, dot, etc.)

1. Axial

 a. Research

Symmetry

Axial design can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Making it symmetrical is the easiest method.

You can either make a straight line and match everything on either side.

Figure 1.1.1: Symmetry, Week 1 (30.08.2023)

Adjust the column width

Creating texture with text. There are no requirement that the columns on either side of the axis be a specific size or even the same size. Thin columns can keep the content digestible. Wider columns give more room to play.

Figure 1.1.2: Adjusting the Column Width, Week 1 (30.08.2023)

Angle your axis

Text no need to be vertically. Turn it around or flip it backwards.

Figure 1.1.3: Angle Axis, Week 1 (30.08.2023)

Add "non-objective" elements

Adding some elements make your design more visually appealing. Using the elements to draw attention to different pieces of text or balance the page.

Figure 1.1.4: Adding "Non-Objective" Elements, Week 1 (30.08.2023)

b. Sketches

Figure 2.1: Rough Sketches, Week 1 (30.08.2023)

C. Digitalisation