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1.4 Question Statement and Theory

1. Do simplicity in typography and layout play a key role in having a good and functional design? 

" Simplicity is not a goal. It is the by-product of a good idea and modest expectations "- Paul Rand


Rand’s poster designs are simple yet functional using classic typeface such as Futura and Helvetica. The forms and design attracts the attention of the public whereas simple fonts are used to provide a clear message. 

People will perceive and interpret ambiguous or complex images as the simplest form(s) possible.” -  Law of Simplicity from the Gestalt theory

Rand’s design follows the Gestalt theory, which exercises the public’s mind to understand the picture that he is trying to convey by connecting with the sufficient amount of information that he provides in a poster. 


2. How does typography play a role in representing the emotion and identity of its text when the public views it? 

" Typography symmetrical or not, is an abstract art " - Paul Rand

Therefore, there is no right or wrong in using the type of typography as long as the designer feels that the message that they want to convey is there. Designers have the freedom to design the text that they feel will make an impact to the public. 

“ Something that has absolutely no purpose can be absolutely beautiful… art is one of very few things that can just be, it does not feed a function.” - Paul Rand

Therefore his works are mind-boggling compared to other designers.



3. Do the public acknowledge and comprehend the message that the typography sends or are they just mesmerized by the colour and design of the composition?

“ Typography is the frontier between language and objects, language and images. Typography turns language into a visible, tangible artifact, and in the process transforms irrevocably.” 

In order for the public to be aware of the information provided from a poster, the typography of the poster must first stand out to attract their attention.

“ The Text is not a co-existence of meanings but a passage, an overcrossing; thus it answers not to an interpretation, even a liberal one, but to an explosion, a dissemination.” - Roland Barthes From Work to Text

The text should be seen for more than what it is rather than just reading it just for its meaning. 


Theory

Derrida’s theory of deconstruction, ­“When we speak, we draw on our inner consciousness, but when we write, our words are inert and abstract. The written words loses its connection to our inner selves. Language is set adrift”. (Derrida, 1976, p.46)

This means giving a speech is more effective than texts but not everyone has the ability to have their mind on set to quickly absorb and remember the information given through speech whereas if there are texts, it will always be present and the readers are able to take their time to read, visualize and understand. 


The work is a fragment of substance, occupying a part of the space of books (in a library for example), the Text is a methodological field.” (Barthes, 1977: 208). 

Today, we see typography everywhere around us whether it’s on the road or on buildings. We interpret all of the signs and text to understand certain information that is given. Though, people from different background may interpret it differently as they were taught differently from their country. 


“The Text is not a co-existence of meanings but a passage, an overcrossing; thus it answers not to an interpretation, even a liberal one, but to an explosion, a dissemination.”

Text should be seen for more than what it is rather than just reading it just for its meaning. 



The theory that I chose to use is Roland Barthes' From Work to Text because it relates a lot with my question. 



Bibliography
Barthes, R. (1971) From Work to Text. [online] Available at: http://areas.fba.ul.pt/jpeneda/From%20Work%20to%20Text.pdf

Bigman, A. (2012) 4 Principles by Paul Rand that may surprise you . 99 designs. [online] Available at: https://99designs.com/blog/creative-inspiration/4-principles-by-paul-rand-that-may-surprise-you/



Derrida, J. (1967) Texts on Type Critical Writings on Typography: A Post-Mortem on Deconstruction? New York: New York.

Google Books. 2016. The University in Dissent: Scholarship in the Corporate University - Gary Rolfe - Google Books. [ONLINE] Available at: https://books.google.com.my/books?id=68r7X7RvuZEC&pg=PA112&lpg=PA112&dq=The+work+is+a+fragment+of+substance,+occupying+a+part+of+the+space+of+books+(in+a+library+for+example),+the+Text+is+a+methodological+field.&source=bl&ots=5Wu9mIpPF0&sig=HsKeMrVljluSFobYVe9Xel_DHN0&hl=en&sa=X


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