T YPE TWO

TYPOGRAPHIC
SYSTEMS
 AXIAL SYSTEM
T YPE TWO All elements are
organized either to the
left or the right of a single
axis.

RADIAL SYSTEM
All elements extend from
a point of focus
 DILATATIONAL SYSTEM
T YPE TWO All elements expand
from a central point in a
circular fashion.

RANDOM SYSTEM
Elements appear to have
no specific patter or
relationship.
 GRID SYSTEM
T YPE TWO A system of vertical and
horizontal divisions

TRANSITIONAL SYSTEM
An informal system of
layered banding.
 MODULAR SYSTEM
T YPE TWO A series of non-
objective elements
that are constructed as
standardized units.

BILATERAL SYSTEM
All text is arranged
symmetrically on a single
axis.
T YPE TWO

Explore these systems in a process-oriented exploration. We

will work with these in two ways. First, a series of compositions
constrained to one size and one weight of type. The second is a series
of compositions with the option to use object elements and changes
in tone.
T YPE TWO

The same eight-line message is used in all of the compositions in

order to focus attention on the variations in the visual organization
systems.
T YPE TWO
T YPE TWO

All lines must be used in each composition. However, lines may be

broken at will to change a single line into multiple lines, creating
changes in grouping and the way in which the line is read.
T YPE TWO

Leading is variable, which in turn creates changes in position and

textures.
Variable word spacing and letter spacing creates distinct changes
in texture and tone.
T YPE TWO

LINE BREAKS
Lines may be broken at will
to make multiple lines.

LEADING
Leading can be tight/
negative or wide and airy.

WORD AND LETTER SPACE

Varying word spacing
and letter spacing creates
different textures.
T YPE TWO

OBJECT ELEMENTS
(NON TYPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION)

Just as typography is functional in the communication of a message,

object elements enhance the functions of emphasis, organization,
and balance. Object elements become functional guides when
used with typography and communicate the message differently
by highlighting elements of a hierarchical order and directing the
viewiers eye.
In addition these elements can strengthen a message by
communicating a sense of organization and direction.
T YPE TWO OBJECT ELEMENTS
(NON TYPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION)

RULE SERIES
T YPE TWO OBJECT ELEMENTS
(NON TYPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION)

CIRCLE SERIES
T YPE TWO OBJECT ELEMENTS
(NON TYPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION)

TONE SERIES
T YPE TWO

AXIAL SYSTEM
The axial system is one of the simplest systems. All
elements are organized either to the left or right of
a single axis. This is a branching arrangement from
an implied main line. The axis can exist anywhere
in the format to create a symmetric or asymmetric
composition. Examples of axial arrangements in
nature include the trunks of trees, flower stems,
and many other plants.
Experience working with the axial system reveals
that asymmetric arrangements are often more
interesting than symmetrical ones. When the axis
is placed off center to the left or right the space is
divided in a more interesting way, with a shift in
the proportion of larger and smaller volumes of
space. The use of asymmetry results in a relatively
simple visual arrangement with heightened visual
interest.
T YPE TWO

AXIAL SYSTEM
While many axial system compositions
benefit from asymmetric placement,
this poster employs the symmetry of
the centered axis to evoke and celebrate
the simplicity of Le Corbusiers modern
architecture. The single-axis typographic
arrangement splits the poster and the
glossy center square over the face. The
photographic image provides asymmetric
accent in the hand that lifts the architects
signature geometric glasses. Two fine
white horizontal line that bisects the
glossy square and focuses the viewers eye
on the image.
T YPE TWO

AXIAL SYSTEM
Emil Ruder
1960
T YPE TWO

AXIAL SYSTEM
Emil Ruder
1960
T YPE TWO

AXIAL SYSTEM
Emil Ruder
1960
T YPE TWO

AXIAL SYSTEM
Odermatt & Tissi
1980
T YPE TWO AXIAL SYSTEM
Narrow column
widths
AXIAL SYSTEM
Narrow column
widths
AXIAL SYSTEM
Narrow column
widths
AXIAL SYSTEM
Narrow column
widths
AXIAL SYSTEM
Wide
Column widths
AXIAL SYSTEM
Wide
Column widths
TRANSPARENCY
TRANSPARENCY
Implied
shaped
axis
Explicit
shaped
axis
Diagonal
axis
Diagonal
axis
T YPE TWO

RADIAL SYSTEM
In the radial system all elements are organized
to extend from a central point of focus like rays.
Examples include the petals of flowers, fireworks,
domes In architecture, rays of the sun, spokes of a
wheel, starfish, etc. The compositions are dynamic,
as the eye is drawn to the focal point of the radial
composition. This point can be implied or depicted.
Depending on the orientation of the lines,
readability of the message may be diminished as
the type leaves the traditional horizontal baseline.
Within this system lines of text can be arranged to
read in a number of different ways: top to bottom,
bottom to top, right side up, or upside down. In
order to create a functional message, the lines of
text should be arranged in the most comfortable
manner possible.
When working with text, the resulting
compositions often contain portions of a single
circle or many circles. The resulting asymmetry is
less satisfying and more visually interesting.
T YPE TWO

RADIAL
SYSTEM
INSECT
Paul Humphrey
and Luke Davies
1998

In the Old Truman Brewery poster the
radial system is used to communicate that
transformation of an inductrial warehouse
to a centre for young design talent so
sharp it could cut diamonds. The text is
arranged around a centre focus point and a
strong horizontal line, and sharp angles of
text slice the collaged images in dynamic
pinwheel fashion.
The radial system becomes the foil for
communicating the dynamic intent that is
focused on the building. Lines of text move
toward the centre point and then radiate
out as a fitting tribute to the design talent
housed within and the effect they will
have on the community.
RADIAL
SYSTEM
T YPE TWO

RADIAL
SYSTEM
The radial system
immediately presents a
compositional challenge
because each line most
readily exists as an
individual unit with a
relationship only with
the focal point.
 RADIAL SYSTEM

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RADIAL SYSTEM
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 RADIAL SYSTEM
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RADIAL SYSTEM
rules and
hierarchy
RADIAL SYSTEM
rules and
hierarchy
RADIAL SYSTEM
transparent
planes
T YPE TWO

DILATATIONAL SYSTEM
In a dilatational system circles dilate
or expand from a central point. An
example of this system is the waves
created when a pebble is dropped into
still water. Similar to the radial system,
the compositions are dynamic as the
eye moves along the arc of the circle
or is drawn to the focal point at the
centre of the circle.
The simplest forms of the
dilatational system are circles that
expand in regular or rhythmical
increments from the center. Variations
of this system can include dilations
that are tangent, dilations that are
non-concentric, and multiple dilations.
T YPE TWO

DILATATIONAL
SYSTEM
Stein und Ott
www.ott-stein.de
DILATATIONAL
SYSTEM
structure
DILATATIONAL
SYSTEM
structure
DILATATIONAL
SYSTEM
structure
DILATATIONAL
SYSTEM
structure
DILATATIONAL
SYSTEM
object elements
 Lang DILATATIONAL
S C H O O L O F T H ara Col SYSTEM
GRAPHIC AN E A leg object elements
P u b l i c L e c t u r e
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axis
DILATATIONAL
SYSTEM
axis
DILATATIONAL
SYSTEM
axis
T YPE TWO

RANDOM SYSTEM
The random system consists of elements that are
arranged without definite aim, pattern, direction,
rule, method or purpose, but it is deceptively
simple because the viewer imposes organization
on compositions even when it is unintentional.
The human eye and brain are keenly programmed
to be pattern-seeking, image-seeking, and order-
seeking. For centuries humans have found images
in the constellations of stars in the sky or In cloud
formations.
Work is often begun by scattering elements in the
compositional field with free abandon. Inevitably,
some of those elements align and the composition
feels intentional. Success is more frequent when
legibility diminishes with cropping, overlapping,
and placing text at odd angles, which are cues of
randomness. Surprisingly, random placement often
yields a very dynamic and spontaneous result that,
although difficult to read, is visually satisfying.
T YPE TWO

RANDOM SYSTEM
Makoto Saito
1994
T YPE TWO

RANDOM SYSTEM
David Carson
1997
RANDOM
SYSTEM
RANDOM
SYSTEM
object
elements
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Sch
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RANDOM
SYSTEM
repetition
T YPE TWO

GRID SYSTEM
A grid is a system of vertical and horizontal
divisions that organize and create
relationships between elements. Grid
system arrangements are usually formal
and are intended to create visual order
and economy in production. Grids are
frequently used in publication design and
web design as they guide information
hierarchies and promote visual rhythm
and consistency among multiple pages or
screens.
The objective in organizing visual
communication with the grid system is to
develop strong interrelationships between
the typographic elements and recurring
rhythmical proportions of text blocks,
images, and space. Grid systems differ
from the axial system in that the visual
relationships are not tied to a single axis
and usually employ more than a single
column.
T YPE TWO

TRANSITIONAL SYSTEM
The transitional system of visual
organization is an informal system of
layered and shifted banding. There are not
interrelationships along an axis or edge
alignments, and elements move freely
left and right. This is a far more casual
system than the grid system in that strict
interrelationship through edge alignment
is not desirable. The lines of type are free-
flowing and the textures they create assist
in ordering the message. Examples of
natural transitional arrangements include
strata of layered rock or casually stacked
wood.
Compositions can be airy and widely
leaded or tightly compact, which
emphasizes the negative space. This
system often results In compositions that
echo fine art in that many have the visual
feel of a landscape. which is admittedly
enhanced by the use of the circle element
that becomes an abstract sun or moon.
T YPE TWO

TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
David Carson
1996
TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
movement
 TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
Langara College
School of the Arts movement
Graphic And Interactive Communication Department
Communication Arts Program

Free Public Lecture

7:00 pm
Library Hall
February 8, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 22, 2012
 TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
movement

7:00 pm
Library Hall

February 22, 2012February 8, 2012

February 15, 2012
Free Public Lecture
Langara College
School of the Arts
ment Graphic And Interactive Communication Depart
Communicati
on Arts Program
 TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
movement

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 TRANSITIONAL
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7:00 pm
Library Hall

Free
February 22, 2012February 8, 2012
Public
February 15, 2012
Langara College
School of the Arts Lecture
ment Graphic And Interactive Communication Depart
Communicati
on Arts Program
 Communica
TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
change in
direction

tion
7:00 pm
Library Hall

Arts
Program

February 22, 2012February 8, 2012

February 15, 2012
Free Public Lecture
Langara College
School of the Arts
ment Graphic And Interactive Communication Depart
TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
movement
 TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
movement

LANGARA COLLEGE
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
GRAPHIC AND INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATION ARTS PROGRAM

FREE PUBLIC LECTURE

7:00 PM
LIBRARY HALL
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
FEBRUARY 22, 2012
 TRANSITIONAL
SYSTEM
movement

LANGARA
LAN COLLEGE
GARA COL LEGE
SCHOOL
SCH OOL OF
OF THE
THE ARTS
ART S
GRA PHIC AND
GRAPHIC AND INT ERACTIVE COM
INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
MUNICATION DEPART
COM MUNICATION ART MEN T
COMMUNICATION S PRO
ARTS PROGRAM
GRAM

FREEPUBLIC
FREE PUBLICLECTURE
LECTURE
7:00
7:00 PM
PM
LIBRARY HALL
LIBRARY HALL
FEBRUARY
FEBR ARY 8, 8, 2012
FEBRUARYU15,
FEBRUARY 1 5 , 2012
2 0 1
2012
FEBRUARY 22,
FEBRUARY 2012 2
22, 2012
T YPE TWO

MODULAR SYSTEM
The modular system is dependent on
standardized nonobjective elements or
units that act as a ground to hold and
contain text. Compositions are created
by the organization and placement of the
modular units.
Typographic lines and words have
a distinctly individual form that defy
standardization and require a module that
acts as a ground. Modules can be as simple
as a hairline square or rectangle or more
complex geometric shapes such as circles,
ellipses, triangles, etc.
The idea is to standardize the unit on
which the typography rests and then
compose the message with the modules.
Lines of type can be broken or split Into
multiple lines at will, which, like grouping,
assists in communicating the message.
T YPE TWO

MODULAR
SYSTEM
Philippe Apeloig
2004
T YPE TWO

MODULAR
SYSTEM
Philippe Apeloig
2005
 MODULAR

Co
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SYSTEM

m
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 MODULAR
Gr
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 MODULAR

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 MODULAR
SYSTEM
Langara circle
College modules

School of the
Arts

Graphic And
Interactive
Communication February 22,
Department 2012

Free Public 7:00 pm February 8, February 15,

Lecture Library Hall 2012 2012
Langara School of the
College Arts MODULAR
SYSTEM
square
modules

Graphic And Communication

Interactive Arts Program
Communication
Department

Free Public Library Hall

Lecture

February 8, February 15, February 22,

2012 2012 2012
Langara School
College of MODULAR
the SYSTEM
Arts square
modules

Graphic Communic
And Inter ation
active Arts
Comm Pro
uniction gram
Depart
ment
Free Library
Public Hall
Lec
ture

February February February

8 15 22
2012 2012 2012
Langara College
MODULAR
SYSTEM
School of the Arts rectangle
modules

Graphic And Interactive Communication Department

Communication Arts Program

Free Public Lecture

7:00 pm
Library Hall

February 8, 2012

February 15, 2012

February 22, 2012

 Langara College
MODULAR
SYSTEM
School of the Arts square
modules

Graphic And Interactive Communication

Department

Communication Arts Program

Free Public Lecture

7:00 pm
Library Hall

February 8, 2012

February 15, 2012

February 22, 2012

MODULAR
SYSTEM
rectangle
modules
MODULAR
SYSTEM
rectangle
modules
Langara School
College of MODULAR
the SYSTEM
Arts transparency

Graphic Communic
And Inter ation
active Arts
Comm Pro
uniction gram
Depart
ment
Free Library
Public Hall
Lec
ture

February February February

8 15 22
2012 2012 2012
Langara School
College of MODULAR
the SYSTEM
Arts transparency

Graphic Communic
And Inter ation
active Arts
Comm Pro
uniction gram
Depart
ment
Free Library
Public Hall
Lec
ture

February February February

8 15 22
2012 2012 2012
Langara School
College of MODULAR
the SYSTEM
Arts transparency

Graphic Communic
And Inter ation
active Arts
Comm Pro
uniction gram
Depart
ment
Free Library
Public Hall
Lec
ture

February February February

8 15 22
2012 2012 2012
Langara School
College of MODULAR
the SYSTEM
Arts transparency

Graphic Communic
And Inter ation
active Arts
Comm Pro
uniction gram
Depart
ment
Free Library
Public Hall
Lec
ture

February February February

8 15 22
2012 2012 2012
T YPE TWO

BILATERAL SYSTEM
The bilateral system is the most
symmetrical of the visual organization
systems. It consists of a single axis with
lines of text centered on the axis.
As the most symmetrical system, the
bilateral system is the most challenging
compositionally. This is due to the
inherent symmetry that makes these
compositions predictable and potentially
uninteresting. Placing the axis off center
in the format can immediately make the
composition more dynamic. A diagonal
axis can bring a bit more visual interest
to the composition, as does moving a line
of text diagonally off of the baseline. The
addition of nonobjective elements to the
composition can transform the work to
one of heightened visual interest.
T YPE TWO

BILATERAL
SYSTEM
Odermatt & Tissi
1992
T YPE TWO

BILATERAL
SYSTEM
Katherine McCoy
1990
BILATERAL
SYSTEM
symmetry
and tone
BILATERAL
SYSTEM
symmetry
and tone
BILATERAL
SYSTEM
object
elements
BILATERAL
SYSTEM
object
elements
BILATERAL
SYSTEM
object
elements
BILATERAL
SYSTEM
object
elements
BILATERAL
SYSTEM
object
elements
BILATERAL
SYSTEM
object
elements