Based on our reading of Herbert Bayer on typography, it was believed that it is just a tool to serve one purpose. Typography has its own attributes that demonstrate different expressions, and can give different experiences based on the medium it is being used such as magazines, television, or posters. Different typefaces, have different purposes and thanks to the development of technology, designers nowadays have more options, and can experience more.
However, Typography still doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and people still underestimate the importance of typography, even designers in the 21st century. Based on a report published by the U.S Department of Education, about 54% of the population is lacking literacy proficiency and reading below their level.
Many people have tried to tackle the issue and have invested millions of dollars in our education system without progress. A research conducted by Thomas Jockin found that in order to improve reading skills, text must be adjusted specifically to the reader– meaning, people can have their own ‘prescription’ if you will. By working smartly with type, adjusting the leading, kerning, or x-height, reading proficiency increased by 20% among the subjects in the research.
In addition, technology has had a huge role in the way information is now being delivered to the audience. We are able to have photographs with descriptions that allow us to visualize the information, or a film with subtitles so it is more accessible. In the article by Moholy Nagy about Typophoto it is mentioned “Typophoto is the visually most exact rendering of communication”. Social media such as Instagram or Facebook are the perfect examples to demonstrate how people document their lives by uploading pictures or videos along with captions and hashtags.
With that in mind, designers today should be more educated with the way information is received, and the different techniques that help relay information better. Using visuals is helpful, especially when combining visuals with typography. Using the right fonts would help readers experience the content better, understand the visuals more, and make media more accessible.
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