Display

Definition

Display refers to a style of type that is designed primarily for headlines, advertisements, and other instances where the typography needs to capture attention. It is characterized by its larger size, decorative elements, and distinctive features, making it suitable for conveying strong messages or creating visual impact in design. Understanding display type is essential because it influences the viewer's perception and engagement with the text.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Display typefaces are often used in larger sizes to stand out in printed or digital materials, making them ideal for posters, banners, and titles.
2. Unlike body text typefaces that prioritize readability at smaller sizes, display typefaces can be more experimental with form and styling.
3. Common characteristics of display type include exaggerated shapes, unique embellishments, and unusual proportions that draw the eye.
4. Display type can evoke different emotions and responses from viewers based on its design elements, which is critical for effective communication.
5. There are various subcategories of display type, including decorative fonts, slab serifs, and script styles, each serving different aesthetic purposes.

Review Questions

• How does the use of display type influence the overall effectiveness of a design piece?
  • The use of display type can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a design by drawing attention to key messages or information. Display type is often bolder and more expressive than standard body text, which allows it to stand out and engage viewers quickly. This creates an immediate visual impact that can evoke emotions or convey themes relevant to the content, thereby improving communication and audience retention.
• Compare and contrast display typefaces with body text typefaces in terms of design purpose and application.
  • Display typefaces are designed for impact and aesthetics, usually employed at larger sizes for headlines or promotional materials to capture attention. In contrast, body text typefaces are crafted for readability at smaller sizes, suitable for long passages of text. While display fonts prioritize creativity and uniqueness to evoke feelings or highlight important content, body fonts focus on clarity and ease of reading over extended durations.
• Evaluate the role of kerning in enhancing the effectiveness of display typography in graphic design.
  • Kerning plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of display typography by ensuring that letters are spaced appropriately for visual harmony. In graphic design, especially with bold or decorative fonts, poor kerning can lead to awkward letter spacing that distracts from the intended message. By fine-tuning kerning, designers can create a cohesive appearance that improves readability and aesthetic appeal, ultimately enhancing viewer engagement with the display type.

Related terms

Typeface: A set of characters, including letters and symbols, that share a common design and style. Typefaces come in various classifications, such as serif, sans serif, and display.

Hierarchy: The arrangement of elements in a way that signifies importance. In typography, hierarchy helps guide the viewer’s attention through varying sizes, weights, and styles of text.

Kerning: The process of adjusting the spacing between characters in a word to improve visual aesthetics and readability. Proper kerning is especially crucial in display typography to ensure a cohesive look.