Project 4 – 20th century Type
Layout progress – Sketches
Reflecting on this week’s reading ‘The Vignelli canon’ and thinking with type (Lupton 2009)’, I realised that, grid system is central to any layout design process, by which each element falls to its proper place, therefor; avoiding any arbitrary placement.
Organising the content in a simple and readable manner is important, for the layout to be disciplined. I find it is important to do more research on the exhibition information panel – large format layout design. For more inspiration, on how heading placed to pull the audience attention, and what point size required for this project (heading, subheading and body text).
Inspirations
Most of the information panel tend to use bold and simple heading, some designs use the heading (hierarchy) on the offset top of the panel, and not as running heading. Design aspects, such as; scaling, contrast and spacing, all play an integral part to deliver the message. I spend time to analyse some of these, and that helps to understand the structure of the body text, in relation to, the rest of the elements. The way design principles utilise this discipline varies, based on the information (content) and the imagery. However, imagery may be used as a background, juxtaposed by the text. Again, it depends on the content and the way each designer convey the message.
Sketches
To do my sketches, I sought to find reliable tool, to visualise the layout. Not just pen and paper, I want to experiment with the digital sketching. First, I used Bamboo paper, but I find, it can be done more easily with photoshop sketching app. With my iPad and digital pen I did my first sketch, and this way, the digital copy can be reused and refined.
Digital Version – Sketch Development
I use the digital sketch and Adobe Comp app, to develop a quick draft of the layout. This version can be refined on the fly with InDesign.
InDesign Version – Layout Ideas
By developing the layout comp, further refinement to the digital sketch has been progressed using InDesign document, elements placed and adjusted to match the actual measurements.
InDesign document setup
- Paper size: A1, 594 x 841mm.
- Margins: Minimum 40mm.
- Grid: will vary depending on your sketches. If unsure, follow the following grid:
- 8 columns, 10mm gutters.
- 5mm bleed.
The heading, subheading and body text font size need to be configured. Therefore, I did more research on the best numerical size for the large format fonts. I find at the ‘How to Create a Large Format Poster’, University of South Wales website, useful information on the layout and print specification of the large format poster.
My initial layout is slightly different of the primary sketch, however; it contain the basic structure, modifications were made to get the best visual consistency and discipline. I also find that 8 columns is too much for the layout, which make it difficult to flow the content, specially of the body text sections
From there, I will develop the heading section and stylise the document (paragraphs and graphics), and choosing the right fonts. this will be developed on the next stage from week 10.
In the next stage, the elements will be revised, print test and setting styles to each. I might consider adding tinted background colour. However, the general feedback from my elA will determine the right direction.