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Article published In:
Information Design Journal
Vol. 26:3 (2021) ► pp.237–259

From pen to movable type

Teaching typography as an experience

ORCID logo | Federal University of Paraná
ORCID logo | Federal University of Paraná

Typography is an essential foundation for graphic design and information design. The teaching of this subject aims to set background knowledge on aspects such as the production and use of letterforms. In this article, we present an approach to teaching typography based on information design as an instrument for understanding and analyze results of students’ production of print posters during classes. We designed an integrative activity that sought to make them experience different facets of typography, from its relation with calligraphy to the sculptural nature of printing types and digital vector drawing on the computer, with an active learning approach.

Keywords: typography, active learning, experience, design education
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Active learning for design
  • 3.Topics in typography at an undergraduate level
  • 4.Class planning
  • 5.Teaching typography as an experience
    • 5.1Pen making and calligraphy practice
    • 5.2Vector drawing and refinement
    • 5.3Machining process
    • 5.4Typesetting and printing with movable types
  • 6.Final remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
Published online: 14 July 2022
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/idj.19037.ham
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