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#lang pollen
◊ ( define - meta title "what is good typography?" )
◊ hanging - topic [ ( topic - from - metas metas ) ] { Reinforces the goals of the text }
Good typography ◊ em { reinforces the goals of the text } .
Almost all texts communicate a set of points ( ◊ em { Summary judgment should be denied for three reasons } ) . Sometimes a text also needs to instruct the reader ( ◊ em { Add lines 7 through 21 and enter the total here } ) . Other texts offer warnings or admonitions ( ◊ em { You must be 48 inches tall to ride } ) . In every case , good typography supports and reinforces the message .
◊ ( omission )
Good typography is measured on a utilitarian yardstick . Typography that is aesthetically pleasant , but that doesn ’ t reinforce the goals of the text , is a failure . Typography that reinforces the goals of the text , even if aesthetically unpleasant , is a success .
Does that mean that effective typography can be ugly ? Sure . Sometimes ugly is better than pretty .
Look at the ◊ link [ "what-is-typography.html" ] { highway signs } again .
◊ indented { ◊ image { roadsign - standard . jpg } }
◊ indented { ◊ image { roadsign - script . jpg } }
The script font used on the second sign could be called “ prettier ” than the standard highway - signage font . But a highway sign has a special purpose: it ’ s meant to be read quickly , from long distances , at odd angles , and under variable lighting and weather . The highway - signage font stays legible under all these conditions . It constitutes good typography because it supports the goals of the sign .
The script font may be prettier , but in this context , it ’ s bad typography because it ’ s not suited to the task . Conversely , the highway - signage font would look terrible on a wedding invitation , where the script font would be appropriate .