Study Task 05: Studio Brief 2 - Research

Visual Research

Font Generator by Jas Bhachu

Font Generator by Jas Bhachu combines a Rubik’s cube frame with applied rubber shapes, to create a stamping tool used for modular typography. This shifts the original function of the object from a game to a printing tool whilst still retaining its puzzle feature.

The use of adapting existing formats may provide a way of giving structure to the tool

Using a modular type system will allow for a greater range of outcomes

Restricting the system to only a few shapes may provide for greater experimentation

Easier to use with less components, may become complicated if more – also will allow for more multiples of each shape as some will be used more than others

 

By having less shapes in such a structured grid means that all the outcomes will look part of the same ‘typeface’

The stamping tool allows for the production of typography rather than just the formation of type 

Generates unique variations every time providing a handmade quality to the work

Trying to align all the pieces to the desired place may be difficult on a rubiks cube which could frustrate people so the system would have to be easier to use

Fontstruct

Fontstruct is an online platform for creating modular type from geometrical shapes. The site uses over 80 different shapes that can be used to create a wide range of typographic forms.

The tool could bring the digital interface into the physical, enabling designers to physically interact with the shapes

The software allows complete editability of the shapes including copying, erasing, enlarging and drawing of the shapes – could elements of this editability be recreated in the real world?

All of the shapes fit into a square system allowing them to work together in unlimited combinations

Multiples of certain shapes will be needed as some are used more than others

Infini

The product uses wooden blocks as a way of making typography usable in a three-dimensional way. Through a combination of basic shapes and curves the blocks can be arranged in conjunction with one another to create different typographic outcomes. The design is available in three weights which can be used together or separately to create interesting outcomes.

The use of a grid system to create my shapes could be useful

Creating different ‘weights’ may allow for more varied stylised outcomes

By having different sets there may be the opportunity to combine elements

The blocks fit together forming a compact and regular shape meaning they can be easily transported and stored – small able to use wherever – functional  

Barry Spencer – #100 days of spontaneous

Project of creating a grid system each day

Describes himself as a speculative type designer

Pushes the boundaries of what letters are supposed to look like

Kickstarter campaign to produce a set of booklets using the grids

Found he needed to adapt and evolve simple square grids which meant he was creating something new

As part of his design process he interacts with a grid to make the letterforms

100 day project – created a grid / pattern each day based on spontaneity

Used only black and red fineliner – 17 x 17 unit working area – not planned – had to draw whatever came to mind – could not leave the sketch – mistakes had ti be incorporated

Wanted to show evidence of the flexibility of a square grid – and show how exploration and randomness and not designing for a purpose can create new exploration

Use of repeated ‘grids’ allows for structure

Use of more elaborate shapes allows for more abstract type design

Making the grids both red and blue works effectively at distinguishing sections as is seen in normal grid systems through the use of thicker lines

Some designs are less regulated than others in terms of direction of lines or are formed with anomalies within the designs providing quirks not seen in all of the design – may lead to differences in typographic forms.

Use of multiple elements within the ‘grid’ allows for aspects to be picked out or ignored – provides choice for the user.

Colour schemes of blue and pink used for the covers of the booklets could be gender specific – in my own work this would have to be more neutral to be appealing to a wider audience.

Potential for using a range of geometric shapes to form the basis of modular grid systems

Could be put side by side to create a repeated pattern

Colour be rotated and layered to create more possibilities within the grid system

Colour exploration within the grids could help to define individual modules rather than making it look like a complete design – will help user work with it if there is clear distinction between modules – less focus needed