My proposal

OBSERVATIONS

Piet Zwart once stated, “The more uninteresting the letter, the more usefel it is to the typographer.” I have researched two opposing point of views of typographic application, and how they relate to the environment. Graphic Designers and Typographers usually take either one of the two point of views on typography. The Modernist point of view is to design with a select group of traditional typefaces that fit the purpose of the design (i.e.Massmio Vignelli). The Postmodernist point of view is more subjective in terms of typographic decision (or creation), pushing the limits of what a Modernist would consider acceptable (Marian Bantjes).

After looking at typography found in public environments: outside, grocery store, and when commuting, I have discovered that it is commonly overlooked because we have become immune to it, and its excessiveness. Typography has become predictable (common shapes, and designs), and is no longer intriguing to the viewer. 

THESIS

I intend to argue that communication/typography is influenced by its environment. 

By doing this, I could make typography more effective by comparison, discover the specific trends in areas of typographic design, break the predictability that is seen by using elimination, or by controlling the environment.

Thesis Topic

Just a Spoon Full of Design Humor

Helps the Message Go Down

"Humor is important for serious problems because it makes people remember."

-Paul Rand

THESIS:

Humorous and witty design is the best design solution in order to deliver a pleasurable experience to an otherwise non-pleasurable subject.

BAM!

Thesis Topic!

Past few posts here by a few of you, have been really helpful in my process and research. So... I agree it would be very beneficial for everyone to know what each other's topics are. Following Jones and Rob's plan for things I figured I would post my thesis topic. 

Observations

There seems to be a division in type designs that are prevalent today: those that are designed for readability, clarity, neutrality and timelessness – and those that are designed for a single purpose, that do not show such timelessness in their letterform design due to their expressiveness and lack of neutrality. My interests in typography are currently centered around this issue. It asks defining questions of traditional views on typography. What makes a successful font? How do you define an effectively designed letterform? Should typography itself, be expressive? Should everything in a design be considered, and connected even down to the typography itself?

Thesis Statement

I intend to show that letterform designs that are built to express the design they are to be used in; communicate, and connect with the viewer more effectively than choosing neutral letterforms for the design.

A Little Wisdom from a GREAT source.

Make time to watch this!!!!!

love, Abby & Paula Scher

Thesis Topic

I agree with Rob and think posting our topics would be helpful. My topic is "Enhanced Communication Experiences." Here is what I wrote in my proposal:

Observations
Often times communication can be static and uninteresting. Whether it be information about an exhibit or as simple as a calendar of events in a lobby, there is the opportunity to design it in a more compelling and captivating way. I’ve seen this done with motion, interactivity, and/or sound.

Thesis
I intend to prove that enhancing a communication experience with a dynamic element such as motion, interactivity, or sound can improve its ability to convey its message more effectively.

I encourage everyone else to post their topic, possibly even their proposal as well.

Sweet Geometric Alphabet

I came across this new identity created for Museum of Arts and Design in New York. Pentagram created an entire alphabet consisting of parts of a square and circle. It's really quite nice and simple. Check it out.