Week Two Discussion Topic - Terminology for Everyone

One of your tasks this week has been to learn the language of typography, from terms to parts of individual characters. This jargon may be confusing at first, but knowing the correct names for specific parts is a valuable skill.

Designers work in a wide range of professions in large and small markets. Why is it important for a 3D animator to know the difference between a widow and an orphan? Why does a web designer need to understand the difference between Old Style and Modern typefaces? Ask yourself why, in fact, it is necessary to understand line, shape, texture, and negative space?

And history? Really? History? I thought we were done with history back in high school. What will knowledge of what Charlemagne did in 800 AD have to do with our success as designers? Seriously, who cares about cuneiform…or how it’s pronounced.

Let’s do some critical thinking here.

Why is it important to be able to speak in the language of designers? What are the advantages or disadvantages of using type terminology? When would you choose to use conventional terms and when would you choose to use the proper vocabulary?

Don’t just talk off the top of your head. Go see what other authorities say. Compare opinions. (Um, Wikipedia is not an authority.) Make sure to cite your references and be prepared to defend your opinions with facts. If you can provide an image as a concrete example, all the better.

For your reply, pick someone’s point of view that conflicts with yours and provide a counterpoint to their position. Again, cite your references and don’t just spout what you think… establish a connection with other designers and respected organizations like the AIGA.

Please make your initial blog post by midweek, and respond to at least one other student's post by Sunday at midnight.