To describe typography simply, it is the arrangement of type. In a designers eyes however, there is so much more to it than that.
“From all these experiences the most important thing I have learned is that legibility and beauty stand close together and that type design, in its restraint, should be only felt but not perceived by the reader.” Adrian Frutiger
For me, typography is the art and technique of arranging type. How typography is used in a design is established from the overall theme, tone and message of the piece. It works with your layout, grid and colour choice to create a well-rounded design.
There is no doubt that it is a fundamental component of design. But it is also one of the primary ways we, the world, pass on information to others.
Typographic hierarchy is a technique for effectively communicating information. It is a system of organising type in an order of importance, allowing the reader to easily find what they are looking for and navigate the content. It helps guide the reader’s eye to where a section begins and ends.
A few basic methods for establishing a visual typographic hierarchy.
– Size
– Weight
– Color
– Position
– Type Contrast
Most commonly these methods are used in combination with each other. The combinations are literally endless.
Arlene McLaughlin – Junior Creative Designer, The Pudding