Designing with Words
Words are a valued and often necessary medium. Designing with words requires a familiarization, if not expertise, in five main areas: Language, Syntax, Typefaces, Fonts, and Typography. Understanding the tenets of each is an invaluable skill to have. When it comes to using words in a design, knowing how each area plays on the others can be invaluable.
Language
Selecting the appropriate language is by far the easiest thing to do. You are usually designing for a specific audience; thus, a specific language. But there are regional differences and dialects that can distort and even disrupt messaging. Most designs carry their message through a single language.
There are very few instances where a polylingual approach is required. In those instances where multiple languages are required, aesthetics is likely to take a backseat to function.
Imagine, though, what it would be like if your audience’s understanding was not limited to a single language. Imagine a world where all symbols of communication were understood by all. In such a world, the possibilities for expression would be exponentially increased. All words and associated meanings would be free game for use in the design. The possibility presented by being able to use any language to communicate would dramatically enlarge the potent power of syntax.
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