7
Unifying
Using typography, icons, color, grids, and sequences to bring together print, motion, and architectural graphics into a unified whole.
Graphic design has used repetition of design symbols, structures, and motifs to create visual unity since the beginning; however, a profound change was brought about with the invention of movable type. Books and other print ephemera could now be produced rapidly and consistently. Printing stabilized and unified languages. Type systems created sequential and repeatable ordering of information and space that encouraged linear thought and logic. Art movements and schools built with these ideals as guides sought visual unity. As technology advances, design becomes more complex, ambitious, and comprehensive while continuing to unite everything from corporate and government identity systems to multimedium, multilingual graphics for international events.
Topics
- Early visual sign systems
- Unifying early typography
- Establishing book design systems
- Standardization of typographic forms
- Art Nouveau—unifying decoration, structure, and function
- The decorative arts expand to publishing
- Standardization of visual systems
- Constructivism—visually programming the total object
- Universal systems for art and design
- The new typography; form from the functions of the text
- International Typographic Style—a unity of design elements
- The corporate identity program
- Design systems for government
- Design systems for the Olympic Games
- Unity and variability through digital typefaces