Discussion Point 1 - Xuan

'TYPOGRAPHY HAS TO ATTRACT THEN INFORM'

For me, I see typographic hierarchy and grid as artworks themselves- because a good visual layout provides viewing pleasure as well as the urge to make you want to read. An excellent example would be attractive in terms of graphic elements as well as informative.

Components like grids, negative spaces, weights for typefaces, etc are generally 'combined' in a way that they not just complement each other, but also stand out on its own.

There might be rules or 'templates' that are more commonly used, but really, it is a work of art, to put together different elements into one blank canvas and make them work.

In the current contemporary society, communication has taken to another level from just being in print, but also in digital format. 

The way of design for both medium might varies, but the objective behind the design decisions stay the same- which is to create exciting spreads and displays of typography and other elements.

To answer the brief on 'typography has to attract then inform', I have found that illustration books are good examples in those lines. 

Having images in different sizes in order to create a more dynamic layout- because the reader to would be attracted to the huge display of image and would then be drawn into other elements in the spread.

In the above examples, the clever use of asymmetrical grids and negative spaces projects a more contemporary, clean and minimal layout.

The typefaces used are chosen/designed specifically for the layout- the simple lines with the again, the asymmetrical composition complements with the overall design layout. 

In conclusion, I believe there are certain rules that makes a great design composition, but being innovative and experimental might sometimes creates a happy accident.