Chapter 3 of Typographic Design: Form and Communication discusses syntax and communication. The chapter explains how the elements of design (letter, word, line, etc) are transformed by the use of typographic space, visual hierarchy, grid systems, etc... Chapter 4 of the book discusses legibility. The authors explain legibility in typography to be achieved by "controlling the qualities and attributes inherent in typography that make type readable". The chapter also addresses the designer's responsibility to communicate their message to the reader in the clearest, easiest way possible.
The most interesting thing I took from reading these chapters was addressing the relationship between typography and language--typography is modulated by language. Moreover, typography is subject to cultural differences. This all seems very obvious, but it is worth talking about. For instance, the lay-out of a certain ad in English, couldn't be exactly replicated in French due to difference in the aesthetics of the words themselves. Perhaps the visual hierarchy could remain the same, but there would need to be small adjustments in order to maintain the same sense of balance etc. I think reading these chapters is helpful to designers in terms of reminding them of things that are often over looked. Legibility seems as though it would be one of the most important things to a designer, seeing as successfully communicating a message is essentially the main goal. I truly admire innovative designers who keep this idea of readability in mind, and are still able to produce something unique and creative.
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