Super Normal Latin Typefaces
The key research question of the thesis is to clarify the identity of Super Normal in driving a good and sustainable type design together with its corresponding visual manifestations. In addition to the literature review, for this research, case studies of ten Super Normal Latin typefaces, namely the most timeless and frequently employed types, are selected to generate an analytical comparison to investigate how normality visually communicates and operates through a relatively long time period, from centuries to at least 20 years. The purpose of this analysis is to anatomize visual elements of the selected typefaces and to evaluate the design decisions behind those elements using both academic and practical references.
Combined with the result …show more content…
A Super Normal typeface is a legible, transparent typeface with ‘big features’, which refers to large counters, ample x-heights, appropriate weights and distinct letterforms. Moreover, in this component, familiarity is also in consideration, partly for its impact to legibility: only when typefaces are familiar to readers, they are readable indeed (). Partly for the concept, Super Normal, which insists unconscious mind in usage, adopting common sense and familiar actions into the design of daily …show more content…
With readability as the determining criterion, a typeface, to attain Super Normal, should work as a crystal vase, providing pleasant reading experience and leaving no room for confusion, be audience-appropriate and medium-appropriate.
Obviously, to achieve great readability, on the one hand, care should be taken to the size of a typeface, especially for the body copy. Generally, it is safe to stay 13 pixels at the least (). However, currently, the wider implementation of responsive designs is witnessing a trend that is moving toward larger body copy, reaching 14 to 16 pixels. Besides, different sizes vary for different devices. For instance, it is better to increase the body copy size on a mobile phone width as opposed to a desktop
Combined with the result …show more content…
A Super Normal typeface is a legible, transparent typeface with ‘big features’, which refers to large counters, ample x-heights, appropriate weights and distinct letterforms. Moreover, in this component, familiarity is also in consideration, partly for its impact to legibility: only when typefaces are familiar to readers, they are readable indeed (). Partly for the concept, Super Normal, which insists unconscious mind in usage, adopting common sense and familiar actions into the design of daily …show more content…
With readability as the determining criterion, a typeface, to attain Super Normal, should work as a crystal vase, providing pleasant reading experience and leaving no room for confusion, be audience-appropriate and medium-appropriate.
Obviously, to achieve great readability, on the one hand, care should be taken to the size of a typeface, especially for the body copy. Generally, it is safe to stay 13 pixels at the least (). However, currently, the wider implementation of responsive designs is witnessing a trend that is moving toward larger body copy, reaching 14 to 16 pixels. Besides, different sizes vary for different devices. For instance, it is better to increase the body copy size on a mobile phone width as opposed to a desktop