IXD102 ( 30250 ) - Introduction to Communication Design. 2022-23.
This week we learned about Guttenberg and Moveable Type, focusing upon the major influence that the printing press had on the western world. Alongside this, we also covered some of the advancements made to type design.
Johannes Gutenberg is credited with the development of the printing press and the use of movable type in the mid-15th century. His innovation revolutionized the way in which books were produced, allowing for mass production of printed works and making the written word more widely available to the general public. Prior to Gutenberg's invention, books were produced by hand, which was a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. The development of the printing press and movable type greatly increased the efficiency of book production and played a significant role in the spread of knowledge and the proliferation of ideas during the Renaissance.
Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. It involves choosing typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line-spacing, and letter-spacing, and adjusting the space between pairs of letters. Typography is an important aspect of design and plays a crucial role in the readability and effectiveness of text. Good typography can help to make a text more legible and easier to read, while poor typography can make a text difficult to read and less effective at conveying its message. Typography has a long history, with roots dating back to the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, and it continues to evolve with the development of new technologies and design trends.
Futura is a popular sans-serif typeface that was designed by Paul Renner in 1927. It is known for its geometric shapes and modern, clean lines, and it has become one of the most widely used typefaces in the world. Futura is often used for headlines and other display purposes, and it is considered a classic design that has stood the test of time. The typeface is available in a range of weights and styles, including light, bold, italic, and condensed, and it has been used in a variety of contexts, including logos, posters, and packaging. Futura is considered a versatile and timeless typeface that has been used by many well-known brands and organizations.
Palatino is a popular serif typeface designed by Hermann Zapf in 1948. It is named after the Italian Renaissance humanist Giovanni Battista Palatino, who was a master of calligraphy and design. Palatino is known for its elegant, refined appearance and its balanced, harmonious proportions. It is often used for body copy in books and other long-form texts, as it is highly readable and easy on the eyes. Palatino is available in a range of weights and styles, including regular, bold, italic, and small caps, and it has been used in a variety of contexts, including books, magazines, and advertising. Palatino is considered a classic typeface that has stood the test of time and is widely used by designers and typographers.
Times New Roman is a popular serif typeface that was designed by Stanley Morison in 1932. It was commissioned by the British newspaper The Times and was intended to be a more legible and efficient typeface for use in print. Times New Roman is known for its balanced, classic appearance and its readability, and it has become one of the most widely used typefaces in the world. It is often used for body copy in long-form texts, such as books, articles, and reports, and it is considered a timeless and professional typeface. Times New Roman is available in a range of weights and styles, including regular, bold, italic, and small caps, and it has been used in a variety of contexts, including newspapers, magazines, and corporate documents.
Gill Sans is a popular sans-serif typeface designed by Eric Gill in 1926. It is named after its designer, who was a British sculptor, letter cutter, and typeface designer. Gill Sans is known for its simple, elegant appearance and its balanced, harmonious proportions. It is often used for headlines and other display purposes, and it is considered a classic design that has stood the test of time. Gill Sans is available in a range of weights and styles, including light, bold, italic, and condensed, and it has been used in a variety of contexts, including logos, posters, and packaging. Some well-known brands that have used Gill Sans in their branding include the BBC, London Underground, and Microsoft.