Within the field of typography, letterforms typically embody either static or kinetic forms. However there is another category of typography that escapes the purely static or purely kinetic. This is temporal typography. Unlike static typography, these forms are not bound by one iteration within a singular viewing experience. Similar to kinetic type, temporal typography carries the stamp of time but is not relegated movement or time-based media.
Temporal letterforms have the ability to manifest themselves in both static and kinetic ways, as well as physical and digital ways, and therefore cannot be evaluated by the same functional factors of traditional typography: legibility and readability. Viewership and perception are elevated, and formal and experiential conditions are re-prioritized as the forms transition from one state to the next.
As a means of mapping the territory of temporal typography and setting parameters for my explorations, I have identified and defined three independent qualities of temporal type: transitory, navigable, and medial. My studies examine these characteristics as distinct from one another allowing me to explore the boundaries and define intrinsic qualities of temporal typography.
NAVIGABLE
Temporal type that is navigable typically appears in a 3D context while 2D form only gives the appearance or illusion that the form is navigable. As the viewpoint or perspective changes, the form also appears to change.
Temporal type that is navigable typically appears in a 3D context while 2D form only gives the appearance or illusion that the form is navigable. As the viewpoint or perspective changes, the form also appears to change.
MEDIAL
Form that is not able to be defined as absolutely typographic or pictorial. Temporal type that is medial adheres to formal principles and relies on extended observation in order to be recognized as such.
Form that is not able to be defined as absolutely typographic or pictorial. Temporal type that is medial adheres to formal principles and relies on extended observation in order to be recognized as such.
TRANSITORY
Typographic form that lasts only for a limited amount of time. The form may appear briefly and then visually or physically disappear, or it may transition from a form that is typographic to something that is not.
Typographic form that lasts only for a limited amount of time. The form may appear briefly and then visually or physically disappear, or it may transition from a form that is typographic to something that is not.
