Identifying patterns in the globalisation of typeface design

Leonidas, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0468-6268 (2023) Identifying patterns in the globalisation of typeface design. Zhuangshi | Chinese Journal of Design, 358 (02). pp. 12-17. ISSN 0412-3662

Abstract/Summary

This article discusses the evolution of typeface design as a field of practice during a period of globalisation, the gradual dematerialisation of typefaces and transition into font software, and platform independence and interoperability of fonts across platforms, applications, and regions. It maps the evolution of the font industry onto the development of distributed, platform-based networks for visual communication. The article surveys developments through the prism of supply and demand along two axes: font software as a product with low barriers for new publishers, and a gradually globalising market for documents that enables competition between publishers from different regions, and at a range of company sizes. The analysis proceeds on a script-agnostic basis, establishing a framework for reviewing market segments for specific scripts and document types. The article concludes that these trends enable growth while at the same time engendering a risk to local and regional typographic identities and traditions. It is also suggested that the easy with which new foundries can enter the market is misleading, since the market is moving towards an oligopolistic model.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/119940
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Arts and Communication Design > Typography & Graphic Communication
Uncontrolled Keywords	typeface, font, globalisation, market
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