Dissertation Proposal

Dissertation Topic (Highlight a title or theme) The impact of globalisation on typography used across public transport systems in the Western world. Issues/questions to be addressed (clarify the main subject areas and present these in a formal manner as detailed as possible) - I aim to investigate the loss of national identities in reference to typographic styles, which is clearly evident in transport systems and information design in Western countries. - I will address the issue of communication in relation to globalisation which has influenced the demand for typography that easily readable and legible. - I can also look into how this area of typography relates to communication theory and identify the semiotic values that specific examples hold. - I will look into the rise of the Swiss fonts, which have directly impacted upon this area of graphic design - Who designed them? What they were designed for? Why were they used for this purpose? - I aim to understand and subsequently compare precise examples of typographic decisions that have been made and concern public transport systems, such as; London, Paris and New York underground signage and typefaces developed specifically for airports, amongst others. - This should also be underpinned by a more historical chapter involving an overview of Modernsim as it directly contributed to and reflected upon the internationalisation of the Western world and consequently the areas of graphic design I have chosen to study for this essay. Method/Approach (What type of analysis do you intend to use? These may be combined provided you are able to present a clear rationale for doing so. Historical, sociological, semiotic, psychological, feminist, Marxist, multiculturalist, postcolonial, genre, popular culture etc and give the names of specific theorists of particular relevance. Discuss with tutor and use Level 2 bibliographies before submission of proposal form). Historical - This type of analysis will help me understand where typographic styles in this specific area have come from and where they are heading/ have moved to. I will also be able to look back and see how decisions made regarding typography used across public transport systems at certain points in history reflected wider issues in society both locally and internationally. Semiotic - A semiotic analysis of my chosen area of study will help me to dissect the information behind choices of typography that were made in regards to specific examples that I decide to investigate. Understanding the semiotics and communication theory behind the examples will enable me to produce an informed viewpoint on the typography and the reasons for it’s production and application. Primary Sources of Information (To include libraries (other than LCAD), galleries, addresses of key contacts/sources, interviews, exhibitions, archives, collections, interviewees, case studies). 1. Description Location 2. Description Location 3. Description Personal photographs obtained through planned summer visits to London and Paris. Location Public transport systems in London and Paris. Books/Articles/Resources already located (minimum 6) Please list these using academic conventions (Harvard System) where necessary. Any proposal form without a minimum of 6 sources will automatically be returned as not approved! 1. Garfield, S, Just My Type: A book about fonts, Profile Books, 2010. 2. Kinross, R, Modern Typography: An essay in critical thinking, Hyphen Press, 2004. 3. Armstrong, H, Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009. 4. Tschichold, J, (translated by Ruari McLean), The New Typography, University of California Press, 1998 5. 6. Relevance to main area of study: Be specific and include any research already undertaken - I have read the book ‘Just My Type’ from cover to cover and this has provided me with a great initial overview of typography that has filled in many little gaps in my knowledge of the subject. I feel it has also given me a more solid understanding that will enable me to go on into further reading with greater confidence. - The following quote by typographer Matthew Carter was taken from the book ‘Just My Type’ and provided the initial inspiration for this proposal: ‘Once I could be parachuted blindfold anywhere in the world, take off the blindfold and look around, and I could see the shop facias and newspapers, and I would know where I was just from the typeface. But now a typeface is released in Tokyo or Berlin or London and it’s gone around the world overnight, and it has completely lost it’s sense of origin.’ - I have recently bought the book ‘Graphic Design Theory’ which I am starting to read through. The variety of extracts covers content specific to what Im writing about but also wider issues that could help me to take my research further. - This dissertation will be an excellent chance to further my knowledge and understanding of typography which I have had growing interest in throughout my degree thus far - and then combine it with aspects of travel which is another great passion of mine.