TyPrograms: the shaped typography of computer programs

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalNaNtxt
    Publication statusPublished - 7 Aug 2015

    Bibliographical note

    Impact: Marcus Leis Allion's ‟TyPrograms” offers a profound exploration into the intersection of typography and software within typeface design, highlighting how digital tools shape the creation and conceptualisation of typographic forms. This work illuminates the often overlooked typographic dimensions of software interfaces used in type design, revealing the transformative impact of these digital environments on the creative processes. By analysing examples such as Hoefler & Co's Obsidian and the aesthetics of obfuscated code, Leis Allion underscores the dynamic between traditional typographic techniques and contemporary digital methodologies.
    ‟TyPrograms” challenges the reader to reconsider the role of software in type design not merely as a tool but as an integral component that mediates aesthetic and functional outcomes. Leis Allion's discussion extends beyond practical applications, venturing into the theoretical implications of how software influences design thinking and typographic expression. This work invites a reevaluation of the marked and unmarked qualities of texts, proposing that understanding these aspects is crucial for grasping the full spectrum of typography's potential in a digital age.
    Furthermore, Leis Allion's examination of ideogrammatic code and its dual cognition engagement offers a unique lens through which we can view the confluence of visual art and programming. This perspective not only enriches our understanding of typographic innovation but also enhances our appreciation for the nuanced interactions between human and machine cognition in the realm of digital design.
    By fostering a dialogue between type designers, graphic designers, coders, and theorists, ‟TyPrograms” advocates for a collaborative approach to design that prioritises both technological and aesthetic inquiry. This initiative has the potential to significantly influence future practices and pedagogies in the design community, making Leis Allion's work a cornerstone for those aiming to blend creativity with technological acuity in the field of graphic and type design.

    Keywords

    • Art and design

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