Display Type

Definition

Display type refers to large and attention-grabbing typography used primarily for headlines, titles, and promotional material. This type of typography is designed to attract viewers' attention and convey a strong visual message, often standing out from body text through size, weight, or style. Display type plays a crucial role in creating visual hierarchy and guiding the viewer's focus in design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Display type is typically used in larger sizes than body text, often ranging from 24 points and up, to draw attention.
2. Different styles of display type can evoke specific emotions or brand identities, making it an essential choice for designers.
3. When selecting display type, it's important to consider contrast with body text to maintain readability while still making a statement.
4. Common uses for display type include posters, advertisements, and websites where grabbing attention quickly is crucial.
5. Overusing display type can lead to cluttered designs; it's important to balance it with other typography for an effective visual composition.

Review Questions

• How does display type contribute to visual hierarchy in design?
  • Display type contributes to visual hierarchy by creating a distinct focal point that guides the viewer's attention. By using larger sizes and bolder styles compared to body text, display type helps establish a clear separation between different levels of information. This allows designers to strategically emphasize key messages and organize content in a way that enhances user experience and understanding.
• Discuss the impact of different styles of display type on brand identity and viewer perception.
  • Different styles of display type can significantly impact brand identity and how viewers perceive a brand's personality. For instance, a bold sans-serif font might convey modernity and strength, while an elegant script font may evoke feelings of luxury and sophistication. Designers must choose display types that align with the brand’s message and target audience, as these visual choices can influence customer engagement and loyalty.
• Evaluate the challenges associated with using display type excessively in design compositions.
  • Using display type excessively can lead to several challenges in design compositions, including visual clutter and diminished readability. When too many display types are employed, it becomes difficult for viewers to focus on key messages, which can dilute the overall impact of the design. Additionally, overuse can create confusion about the hierarchy of information, making it essential for designers to strike a balance between impactful typography and clarity for effective communication.

Related terms

Typeface: A set of characters that share common design features, including letters, numbers, and symbols.

Hierarchy:

The arrangement of elements in a way that signifies importance, helping to guide the viewer's eye through the design.

Kerning:

The adjustment of space between characters in typography to improve legibility and aesthetics.