Please create a 100-200 word response to the video. Please comment on concepts that were of special significance, that are new to you, that you agree with, or disagree. Feel free to provide examples (visual or textual) that you may have run across.
I do not expect summaries of the readings but instead reflection about how the concepts and information can be used in the classroom or in graphic projects.
Please also comment on at least one other of your classmates posts. Something a bit more substantive than "I agree".
Here are some of the things that jumped up to me from his video.
ReplyDelete1. Readability is not about “can we read” but “do we want to read”. While I would argue that being able to read something is more important than whether it makes us want to read it (what good would be the latter without the former?), I do feel that it’s a great way to think about it, from the designer’s point of view. This is definitely something we want to think about when we design, for instance, teaching materials. Motivating students is a big part of our job, and we should add good design to our motivational toolkit.
2. Regarding the research that says that the harder it is to decode something, the better it is for remembering. The findings are interesting, but first - like he said, harder to read doesn’t need to be ugly; second, and most importantly - the purpose of reading is not always for learning. It could be pleasure, it could be to solve a problem or make a decision, it could be to quickly check a menu / schedule/ infographic etc. Whether people have a pleasant or efficient reading experience reading might be more important in certain situations. As teachers however, we are probably often interested in reading for learning, and we should take the research findings into account when we design materials. Here’s an interesting interview with the researcher which explains more about their results: https://hbr.org/2012/03/hard-to-read-fonts-promote-better-recall
3. Very interesting tip about the relationship between line length and line spacing! I did not know about that, and I will be mindful of it when I write long lines of text.
I believe that if we want to successfully deliver a message, there must be a correlation between the content and how it is delivered. A typography bridges the content with the audience through sets of characters. If a content is carefully designed, audience will find an exciting and memorable experience. And that's why Jason Santa Maria said that a typography is an art of creating an exciting moment when someone's reading a text. So, I agree with what you said that a good design will motivate learners.
DeleteDana I think you make a good point. We have to both want to read it and be able to read it. Wanting to read it is probably more important the younger the reader is. As adults we have strategies to read less than attractive text or we have a necessity to force us to. Young children will more likely give up than to force their way through poorly designed content regardless of their interest level.
DeleteHello. My name is Amy and I am addicted to using Comic Sans. The reason I started using Comic Sans so much goes back to my first teaching job at a private school. Comic Sans was our official font. Everything we created was in Comic Sans. I became found of the font and it just stuck with me when I switched jobs. I use it so much that even my classroom aides know to use that font when they type something for me. I really had to research why everyone hates Comic Sans so much. I believe that it is hated most because it looks so simple and handwritten and also because it is used way too much. I agree that it is used way too much, especially by me. However; in the video he discusses what makes fonts good or bad. Even though he hates Comic Sans, he admits that there are no such thing as good or bad fonts. The context and the designer can make a font bad though. I can take the Comic Sans pledge to vow not to use it for materials I create for parents and other educators. But, i will continue to use it when creating materials that I will use inside my classroom because it is simple and looks handwritten. That is the reason I choose it. I feel the context is appropriate and carefully thought out. I have recently found a new favorite that I use in the classroom more often than Comic Sans. It's called KG Red Hands (regular & outline).
ReplyDeleteI think he mentioned that you can choose your style and you can stick with it, but you have to consider and apply the design principles to make it good.
DeleteI am not a big fan of Comic Sans, but I also never find anything wrong with it. Therefore, to be honest, I feel confused as well like Amy why Comic Sans get some many critics, and we were even asked to sign a pledge to promise not to use it (just joking). I understand that using one typeface too much or inappropriately will make our design unprofessional or less attractive, but I truly don't think Comic Sans is an ugly font. I agree with Jason's point that there is no bad font but what it matters is how we use them.
DeleteOn dyslexic.com, Comic Sans is listed as one of the most dyslexia-friendly fonts. So, it's not all bad news :)
DeleteInteresting point Dana. Well Lulu, I'm not a fan either. Like I said in my response, every font has its own purpose and I believe Comic Sans can be a very effective font. I think the most important thing in choosing a font for official use is the consistency. If you're consistent people will accept it.
DeleteI am with you Amy, I really do not think that comic sans is as bad as everyone seems to play it out to be. I honestly think that there is a situation for every text, I mean why else would they even be an option if they were completely useless? For example, like Dana said it is dyslexia-friendly, plus it always seems like everything is always written in or all students are preached to over and over throughout the years to stick to Times New Roman; In my opinion I think that it is nice to see a change in the looks of a document. I say if you like it keep on using it!
DeleteI had to laugh when I read your first statement.
DeleteMy children brought home their classroom newsletter on Monday. When I pick it up I always dread reading the document. This week I realized why. Their newsletter is in letter form. It does not contain any contrast or appeal to help draw me in and gain interest in the document. I'm sure the last thing teachers want to spend time on is enhancing the newsletter. However, I do think this concept and others we have reviewed in our reading would be beneficial for teachers to incorporate with their students when presenting information or documents to them.
While I'm not a particular fan of Comic Sans, I do understand using it with early elementary students. For some reason, I tend to associate that font with small children. I see it as being a fun/lively font, which is also how I usually envision early elementary students.
DeleteI also have a standard font. I've set Cambria Math to be the default every time I start a new Word document. This just goes to show that teachers are creatures of habit, once we find something we like, we stick to it.
:) Wow that topic got some responses! Great conversation. And no Amy you are not a sinner if you use Comic Sans. I think the important part of designing anything is to have a reason for doing it. You have obviously thought about the reasoning behind your decision. Power On! Like he says, no typeface is born evil. It is how it is used.". And another line from the talk, "No rules, but, principles, best practices ‘Imperfect precision’". I am enjoying the discussion.
DeleteI appreciated your post Amy. I think most of us get used to something and use it. You mention how simple Comic Sans is and perhaps that may be the reason that many people dislike. Restaurant menus come to mind when we think about type, font, and readability. Many restaurants like to use fancy type and little font when listing/describing items. A real problem for those of use that cannot see well in poorly lit areas. I like simple and plain type and large font!
DeleteAfter watching the video, I understood that Typography in graphic design could significantly influence how people respond to a document. Consistent use and careful selection of a chosen typeface can be just as significant as the use of graphics, images, and color in solidifying and creating a professional brand.
ReplyDeleteThoughtfully choosing the right font allows us to fit a certain style or evoke a particular emotion. I think that the wise use of typography requires the concentration of your desired audience, i.e., students describe a fundamental approach and encourage them to take action.
I think our students are continuously exposed to typography. Consider book covers, signs, advertising. In a class is fun to combine arts, incorporating typography, and can lead projects and discussions in unanticipated directions.
As an instructional designer and a teacher, I believe that I am a presenter. And as a presenter, it is necessary to consider even the smallest details that will help highlight my discussions and lessons. Learners are expected to see the same fonts that employed by their instructors; but, they will apparently notice that if I replace the font for one of my presentations. I think this might cause them to pay more attention since something has strayed away from the norm and also might indirectly support them memorize or remember the lesson a little better.
These ideas are speculation because I haven't examined any of that. However, I believe it might be deserving to change things up in the classroom, despite if it's an apparently small change.
I agree with you. changing fonts or presentations will attract students. Also, we have a variety of students who have Different preferences.
DeleteIf something attracts you, it isn't suppose to attract others.
Interesting point. Well, I think changing different fonts in one document can attract attention as well as creating distraction. A friend of mine from the visual communication department suggest me to keep every thing in a presentation simple including the choice of fonts. So I don't think changing fonts can increase the attention of the reader. Based on my experience, what makes a presentation boring is not about the fonts but more on the composition or layout of the text in the slides. I always try to put picture on the slides rather than text. If I have to put a text, I always keep it minimal and always in big size and high contrast between the fonts and the color of the background.
DeleteI agree Wishnoebroto. I don't think we need to consider fonts as a way to "attract" the reader like we might in advertising but we should make sure our font's enhance or at the very least do not discourage the reader's to comprehend the material.
DeleteThe speaker has given important points to consider for designers. We need to apply these ways for any things display to students. Now generation like images, strange designing, easy reading, and some things new, because they used to use electronic devices that have a lot of colors, images, and fewer texts. The old style of books does not look good in electronic devices, it makes it hard to read and makes eyes tired. When we consider that we need students to read easier, we should make everything that draws attention. In classrooms, teachers use different tones or voice to convey information and to pay attention for important things, the same idea with presenting texts we want a reader to not only understand what they are reading but also remember it as well. The eyes make the connection between the information when information displays hierarchy and contrast. We can change entire look and feel of the presentation.
ReplyDeleteI don’t recognize so much between fonts I just use them if I like how they appear, but now it makes different to me.
I agree with your point that font is similar to voice or tone of speaking. When a text is comfortable to read, the message will be delivered successfully. And by having a knowledge of selecting the correct font, a designer can create a memorable piece of writing which will not easily be forgotten by the reader.
DeleteI greatly appreciate your point about conveying information by the use of tones or voice. I couldn't agree more that the use of type can help get your message across and also draw the interest of the students.
DeleteI think you all point out that fonts can contain information within themselves and not just the content they speak about. Continuity in both lead to the content being efficiently conveyed. Fonts that confuse are to be avoided. Just think about a passage about the American Revolution in 1776 using the same font as Star Wars uses...
DeleteOne of the viewpoints that Jason pointed out is the significance of typography on reading. When he said “Reading is affected by the principles of typography”, I recalled different feelings or impressions that I had when an interesting flyer caught my eye, a long and tightly arranged course syllabus shown to my face, and the amazing typefaces and pictures attracted me so much with the fascinating story of the first Harry Potter book I read twenty years ago as my first favorite novel in my childhood. Just like Martin Scorsese said in his interview that we watched last week about how different film shots from different angles can be interpreted in different ways, I learned from Jason’s presentation that using specific typefaces in different particular contexts or settings conveys different functions and ideas, which will affect readers’ interpretation and feelings.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a very important thing for me to learn since after reading William’s book I still cannot tell difference between some typeface, especially letter fonts, especially on their thick/ think transitions and types of serif. I want to learn more about the significance and function that each categories of typefaces express to readers so that I can use them more appropriately in the future.
Related to the impact on reading: we also have to consider that impact for readers whose first language writing system is different, like language learners (especially beginners). I remember when I learned how to read Thai, even though I could read a plain font quite well, I had a lot of trouble with the more "creative" fonts.
DeleteI find it interesting how much reading is affected by the principles of typography. It's something that I've never thought about until this week. It reminds me of when children are so involved in an activity that they don't even know that they are "learning". Typography has a big impact without anyone realizing it. But it something that I will be more aware of now.
DeleteI have had similar feelings when looking at different uses typography. I'd never thought about why I enjoyed reading one thing more than another, but I now think it may have been at least partly due to the typography. Not just the font used, but also how it was laid out on the page. This is something will be more cognizant of in the future.
DeleteThat is right. I read an article also discussed this point(Typography and emotions) by Ho, he mentioned that typography is a crucial tool in visual communication, in part since it can evoke human emotion by merging form with narrative text. Our feelings may work as the foundation for the design of compelling images of a wide range of circumstances in our life. I believe that typography has continuously developed in response to significant factors related to individual diversity, technological progression, and cultural development. You ca find the article in the following link http://design-cu.jp/iasdr2013/papers/2213-1b.pdf
DeleteIn my opinion, typography is not only about fonts. It is the element that gives the soul to the text. This art of using fonts requires some "knowledge" that can only be achieved through experience and understanding of the context. Similar to choosing the appropriate color in painting, a designer has to carefully select correct fonts in the appropriate context so the message can be conveyed effectively and give enjoyment to the reader.
ReplyDeleteCompared to the old days where fonts have to be written by hand, now everybody can have access to create a text through a computer and they will be overwhelmed by so many options of fonts. No wonder, I see many users were over excited in choosing fonts and put it all together in the text. Although it can show creativity and fun, most of them forget about the readability of the font itself. All typefaces have its own purpose and that purpose can only be achieved if it's applied in the correct context. For example, the sophisticated calligraphy can be considered appropriate if it's written in the Bible or something that has classical nuances. It's not appropriate if it is printed as a road sign because it will be hard to read.
Implicitly, Jason Santa Maria stated that although computer technology is advancing quickly, a human artistic feeling still plays an important role in the industry that requires typography. It will be very exciting to see the evolving trend that we can see in many printed medias, which still depended on the creativity of a designer.
After watching this video, I can honestly say that I did not realize that some people are so focused and ate up with text. Growing up, going through school, I have always been told to use Times New Roman for absolutely everything. But having listened to this speech, I now realize that maybe it was easier to lay ground work for typing and getting papers knocked out so that you aren't spending so much time worrying about type, but it also makes me realize that I have been blinded to the fact that there are so many more useful types out there that I have hardly if any experience with. This makes me wonder if through earlier years, teachers continue to teach a basic “one font fits all” typing attitude, and then shift in later years to teach students to explore the other types so that they at least have a general idea of what is out there. This would help students possibly find a love for design as it regards to text, then possibly create a passion for design.
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from regarding other types and their use rather than simply focusing on Times New Roman. When assigning papers, I have no type requirement, but I do specifically ask that font be 12. It frustrates me that the default is usually 11.
DeleteThis was a great video. One area which I connected with was at the beginning when he mentioned eating with friends and his response to a menu’s font decisions. To me that is the crux of education – once one learns something, one’s view of the world changes. As an undergrad I took an art and architecture class. Ever since then, when I walk past a building, I analyze its minute components – columns, capitals, dentals…all throwback from ancient Greeks designs. Now, with type, a similar analysis will take place. To untrained eyes, there is no difference, no historical context, no aesthetic when it comes to design, but once you know, there is a curse of awareness – always seeing with an insight which is a result of awareness.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside, as someone who is interested in multimedia production and design, it is interesting and rewarding to see the principles mentioned in the video repeated across media. In particular, involvement with audio, I can see how the principles of contrast, and proximity can be applied in the non-visual and ephemeral aspects of sound. (181 words)
I appreciate your ideas and post David, but please stick to the assignment proper. How can you use what you have seen in the video in a future project? How could the ideas put forth enhance future potential production?
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DeleteI think that is a great observation David. Much of the vocabulary of visual arts has its related concept in music as well. Harmony, rhythm, balance, point and counterpoint. Great point!
DeleteWell, one take-away is the concept of context - no one font is evil! When used appropriately and with consideration, each font and design has its place.
ReplyDeleteOver the past several days, I find myself looking at fliers being sent home from my children's school or posted online. I am now critiquing the font, the contrast, alignment and repetition.
ReplyDeleteI honestly didn't think I would find typography interesting. As soon as Jason displayed the first font I became intrigued. I immediately associated the first font displayed in the video with New Yorker Magazine. One of his last examples was the use of a ready made font. It has design built into the font. I immediately associated the font with Build-a-Bear. Jason is accurate, that a simple font can provide a visual identity that many or millions of people associate with you, your organization, or your product(s).
Another thing that stood out to me is that you can keep the font simple. By enhancing it's weight, height, or boldness you can add contrast and to help make it more appealing.
DeleteI also see where this can be associated with designing logos for organizations. All these concepts are also utilized to make it memorable.
I’ve never really given a lot of thought to what typography is. Prior to watching this video, I had no idea that typography was an actual area of study, please don’t judge me too harshly. Now I can see just how important typography is in the creation of so many thing: websites, magazines, or even worksheets for students. Something that really stood out to me, was when Santa Maria talked about readability. He showed a tweet from Typographica.org that was illuminating, “The term readability doesn’t ask simply “can you read it?” It asks “do you want to read it?”.” This made me think about how a design can either draw an audience to it, or completely repel.
ReplyDeleteIt’s likely that, as a result of this video, that I will reevaluate resources I create for my students. My “go-to” font, that I use for nearly everything, is Cambria Math. There isn’t anything wrong with this font, but to keep students from getting bored. It may be a good idea to periodically change small details and see if it makes a difference, or even if students notice.
Just remember that, just because they don't notice, it doesn't mean it's not making a difference. As they say, "good typography is invisible" (sort of!)
DeleteI used this same response earlier but it fits here as well... I don't think we need to consider fonts as a way to "attract" the reader like we might in advertising but we should make sure our font's enhance or at the very least do not discourage the reader's to comprehend the material. If you have a favorite font that works...keep it.
DeleteI have had some experience with type and fonts when I took an undergrad course at Ohio University, The Literacy Crisis: Origins and Effects. The course emphasized the need for type and fonts that can be inclusive to all. We sometimes lose sight of how difficult it can be to read for many of those we associate with due to simple things like font and type.
ReplyDeleteDinner menus are great examples of how challenging it can be to read when not type and font are not inclusive. Many high-end restaurants love to use 'fancy' type that often runs together and is difficult to read in darker settings. Steak and Shake often uses smaller fonts on their menus making it difficult to read for those who struggle in this capacity due to eyesight (I am an example).
Type and fonts can set the tone for important documents and can keep the reader interested and engages. Sometimes 'ugly' fonts can be positive simply because they increase readability.
Great tie in with menus!
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