Legibility

Creating something legible in basic terms means to create something readable, visually understandable and able communicate with an audience. Designers, photographers, editors and illustrators are constantly thinking about whether their designs/ creations are legible and portraying in a clear, correct manor for what it means is for. 

Throughout design, legibility is created with the different uses of:
- Typography:  as it changes the tone of what you are saying/showing. Handmade text legible?
- Alignment: as it is different in the different cultures
- Paragraphing: to break down text and makes it easier to read
- Colouring: used to enhance text or areas, can be used to make text shout out, or create a contrast, this is where colour theory comes in.
- Imagery: to break down a page, is it understandable with overlaying text? Distortion/photshoped image legible?

Legibility is not only the design of the overall image but also includes legibility within the media and content in which it has to work within; as several companies now distribute their products and advertising over a variety of platforms; like, mobile apps, leaflets, billboards, t shirt designs, interior design, outdoor signage etc. All of these designs would be created individually to suit its unique interfaces; yet have a consistent legibility throughout.

Some designers which I have come across which have been breaking boundaries of legibility include Neville Brody and David Carson. This is thought their iconic and inspirational designs in the magazine and editorial industry. Although there works break boundaries of legibility they create some informative, thought provoking, cutting edge and very creative iconic designs, which have influenced several people; including me!



Neville Brody's work



David Carsons work

Here I have chosen to show Coca Colas consistent legibility, thought the variety of medias in which they have kept steady throughout its design process; creating a range of successful uses of design, promotion and advertising.