legibility is an alignment, positioning graphic elements in an informal way until a clear effect has been established. It is extremely important for a designer to consider typographic clarity in order to create effective designs.  Headings are often the main focal point and, therefore, it is crucial for this to be legible to attract immediate attention.  Numerous factors need to be consider if you wish your design to be prominent. Colour can enhance a message. However, with the inclusion of low contrast this can produce completely the opposite effect and may generate loss of interest. The use of large bold headings usually creates instant legibility as this is easily recognisable. By researching your audience's aspirations you will be able to consider how format, size etc may affect the appeal of your design. Another feature is the inclusion of text over imagery which,  although can be different and a prominent legible feature, too much can make it hard to understand.




http://www.davidcarsondesign.com/2001/

This imagery was designed by David Carson, who is very famous for his designs in 'Ray Gun'. This is an excellent example of legibility with the arranging of text, colour, size of  typography and how the typography compliments the imagery.The text illustrates the word ' Surf in Rico 3.1' which is very bizarre with the positioning of the text, especially how the 'U' connects with the ' R' demonstrating a unique image.  Colours used generate interest and the use of three main colours, together with assorted text works well, allowing the design to be legible and readable.  The design would not generate this effect if one block colour had been used.  A very simple background with a small image of a surfer easily establishes the theme 'surfing' which also contributes to the legibility of the design. The text over the image has successfully worked as this is not congested. The final design is fresh, unique, eye catching and easily readable demonstrating a brilliant marketing concept.






icon magazine cover copy.jpg.

Cover of icon magazine.

blog.lib.umn.edu

'Icon' magazine illustrates text combined with a full image as the background. This example has bold black typography for the logo at the top which is prominent and eye-catching.The text 'The 20 essential young architects' is displayed in a hot pink highlighted boarder.  The hot pink boarder enables the text displayed to be legible while being abstract covering the face of the image. This generates interest and a desire to read to the magazine in order to find out who this person is. You can recognise the image is a male by the face, posture and the clothing he is wearing.  All these featured are legible to the public; they are clear, readable and unique in comparison to other magazines.. This magazine front cover generates an abstract approach, with the text providing an indication as to the contents of the magazine. The image may also represent 'eyes telling the story'. The logo 'Icon'  portrays the image of the man as an 'Icon' and people in this magazine are icons. However this man is such an icon his identity is hidden, A very abstract and eye catching design which makes the text clear and legible towards the audience.


Visual Hierarchy is organising your work to create a design with visible importance. This can be achieved through style, colour, contrast, size, position or shape. The theory of this design establishes why the designer needs to be unique to other designers.  Graphic design is very competitive and the same principles are used throughout the industry. It is extremely important, therefore, to give the main element of your design prominence in an effective way. The designer needs to consider all visual elements, deciding on what initially attractts your eye and from this decide on the arranging and positioning of this concept. This principle comcept allows you to illustrate even a simple design in an appealing and forceful way. If there was no visual hierarchy, designs would have no distinctive features and lack visual importance.



From: The October 2010 issue of Company Magazine.

 I like the design of this ...

ukjournalism.co.uk

 
An effective, yet bizarre design for a magazine.  It is, however extremely eye catching and dynamic with its 3D appearance. This design creates a spectacular impression of the 'Hulk'  emerging from the front cover of the magazine and instantly attains the audiences attention. The cover creates an impression of the Hulk being extremely strong and creating an illusion that he is reaching out to get you. This design works well with the theme, strength as the  'Hulk' character is instantly recognisable by his face and the colour green. The design portrays the 'Hulk's' strength with the illusion he is tearing through a brick wall. This simple design works well with the theme and is what makes this magazine unique from other magazines . This visual hierarchy concept works extremely well here with the positioning of the 3D imagery, colouring and size of text. This design would not work well with all magazines as an explicit theme is required to be able to successfully utilize 3D imagery.




30 Outstandingly

Creative Poster Designs

creativefan.com


This poster design is very simple, however, the typography heading generates appealing art work. The positioning of the text and colours selected make the design striking and prominent.  This unique design has been created to generate interest and get the audience to stop and look closer at the unusual  text.  What is it saying?   The paragraph to the right of the poster has small text, purposely to detract attention from the importance of the title. The colours used have successfully created an abstract design, together with a 3D illusion. The two over- typewritten words seem bizarre, but gets the audience stop and look in more depth as to what the design is portraying. The visual hierarchy concept has successfully been achieved here with the coloured large text against a plain white background being the most eye catching element of the poster.