Dissertation Proposal Part1

Student Name	Sophie D’Agostino
Course	Graphic Design
Supervisor name	Brigid Collins
Email address
Date	25.11.10

Working Title

What role does environmental typography and signage play in the way people interact and function with their every day surroundings?

Summary

I have always had an interest in the design that surrounds us every day that we rely on to function but is often over looked or ignored, a good example of such design is signage and typography. Signage is an integral part of our lives, it surrounds us but what impact does it have on the way we interact and function? Are signs a necessity? Or is the number of signs and abundance of lettering which bombards us overloading us with information, cluttering up our towns and cities and desensitising us to our environments?

There are many different types of signage, each have a specific job to perform, although the main function of a sign, whatever it’s message is to communicate effectively and clearly, different design process and techniques are required for designing different categories of signs, such as colour, composition, it’s environment and typography choice.

There are many technical aspects of sign design, however the tone of voice, or visual language is also an important aspect when trying to convey feelings or opinions though signage. Signs can indicate attitudes and changes within a society or reflect the ideologies of the organization or government, for example a sign, which greets a traveller at an airport, might say, “You can trust me” “I am modern” or “You will be robbed” all through it’s visual appearance, without stating those actual words.

The research I have carried out so far has raised some issues I would like to explore further, especially looking at the roles and responsibilities of the designer. Is it possible to create positive experiences and surrounds for the public while still making a valuable contribution to the environment?

Aims

I am interested in sign design as a subject as it is a tool of communication that is so often consciously unseen and not noticed yet unconsciously constantly communicating great quantities of information to us all the time.

I think this research will be primarily aimed at graphic designers as a better and more concise understanding of how our design decisions are impacting on the end user would be greatly valuable for creating more efficient and environmentally sound solutions.

Objectives

I wish to carry out research and analysis into my chosen subject, producing a well thought out and comprehensive study of what role signage and typography play in the way people interact and function in their surroundings.

I will do this by using relevant secondary recourses such as books, academic articles and web sources and by carrying out my own research such as questionnaires. Primarily looking at public reactions and attitudes to signage, including aspects of design and gathering opinions to the importance of signage in the environment.

Key Words

Environment, sign design, sign system, signage, user, lettering, communication, interaction, function, visual language, corporate identity, surroundings, typography, legibility, public, efficiency, message.

Bibliography

Baines, P, Dixon, C. Signs, Lettering in the Environment (2003) Laurence King Pulishers. ISBN: 1856693376

The main purpose of Baines and Dixon’s book is to discuss the function and execution of the signage we encounter in our environment every day. They look at examples of signage, both contemporary and historical and explain how these pieces of design work we take for granted help shape our lives.

Bartram, Alan (1975). Lettering in Architecture. Lund Humphrise Publishers Limited ISBN: 853313822

Shows how lettering has been used traditionally in architecture. Bartram explains the differences in letterforms and materials used, and looks at how type and buildings contribute to each other’s success. Bartram discusses the importance of the visual language of each period of architectural lettering, looking at how character, quality and flavor all add to the environment.

Bonnici, P. Visual Language, The Hidden Meaning of Communication (1999) Roto Vision SA. ISBN: 2880463882

The main purpose of Bonnici’s book is to provide an understanding of the Visual Language within communication, looking at how the appearance and feel of an item of design can communicate independently of the descriptive content of text and images. Bonnici addresses how elements of visual language, such as colour, type, shape, proportion, texture and imagery be used to create a powerful hidden medium of non verbal communication within an item of design to provide work that communicates more effectively

Editors Of Signs of the Times Magazine (1997). Sign Gallery. ST Publications. ISBN 0944094236

Looks at recent technical innovations and advances over the past few years and gives examples of how sign designers are taking advantage of the new technologies, in their designs.

Editors of Signs of the Times Magazine (1986) Sign Design, Contemporary Graphic Identity. ISBN: 0866360131

This book demonstrates the possibilities that can be achieved through sign design and highlights the quality and skill of an industry whose work often get ignored or overlooked. It looks at different categories of sign design, including, retail, professional services, corporate identification, real estate and experimental work.

Gibson, D. The Wayfinding Handbook, Information Design for Public Places (2009) Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN: 9781568987699

This book covers sign design and wayfinding as a whole, covering everything connected to the discipline. It includes a brief history on sign design and covers different aspects of typography including legibility, size, arrangement and line spacing.

Hunt, W, Laberccque, E, Rosentswieg, G (1994). Designing and Planning Environmental Graphics. Madison Square Press ISBN: 0942604350

This book provides practical information from environmental graphic designer’s, they give individual case studies and detailed annotation and documentation on real projects. This gives a good insight into the design process, including technical information and specific information.

Knapp, Stephen. Sign Design Gallery 2 (1995) Rockport Publishing. ISBN: 154961966

Explores the effect of ‘digital revolution’ on sign design, this book serves as a tribute to all designers who keep alive the craft of sign design. The fain focus of this book is on computer aided sign design. Covers, ground signs, projection signs, sing systems, wall mounted signs and specialty signs.

Schwartzman, A. Designage, The Art of Decretive Sign (1998). Chronical Books. ISBN:0811819620

This book provides an overview of a universal means of communication, through photography it captures and celebrates the artistry and imagination of sign design throughout the years.

Shmidt, K. Signs of the Times (1996) Graphis U.S. INC. ISBN: 1888000119

This book includes a large collection of photographs of environmental typography from the last fifty years showing an overview of the type of signage we over look and take for granted every day. The author also provides a short history and introduction which is insightful.

Trulove Grayson, J. This Way, Signage Design for Public Spaces (2000) Rockport Publishers. ISBN: 1564967522

Shows how new and traditional materials are being used together to create new vibrant signage designs. The book gives a behind the scenes look at real signage projects and explains the philosophy behind each.

Sims, M. Sign Design, Graphics, Materials, Techniques (1991) Thames and Hudson LTD. ISBN: 0500236186

This book highlights the value gained by designers who understand the importance of sign design; this book acts as guide, covering process, materials and techniques along with other important information for designers to take into consideration such as cultural and aesthetic factors.