Design of a Display Typeface in Malayalam:
Typeface design in Indian language scripts still suffer from the absence of typefaces, which are tailor cut for specific needs. There is a complete unawareness for the needs of well-designed typefaces meeting both the requirements of digital technology and functional requirements of typefaces.
Kerala state, which boasts a rich literary tradition and most popular publications in the country, also suffer from mediocre design standards when come to typefaces. With a day-by-day growing publication industry and information portals from the state, the demand for typefaces, which meet functional and technical aspects of typography, is more than ever. This project studies the existing typefaces in Malayalam, the script from Kerala in the contexts of usage, visual quality, and technology in the publication industry. These studies identified the need for a display/byline typeface for standard publication needs.
Thus, a typeface family named IDC Vani, consisting of five typefaces in True type and Postscript formats has been designed. A demonstration of various applications of the typeface and a stylebook featuring the guidelines for usage of IDC Vani family also formed part of the final output.
Project Downloads:
• Case Study - Design of a Display typeface in Malayalam - pdf