Type Using Grid Systems

This brief is about exploring different modular methods to create typefaces to lead towards our final outcome - a “machine”. A machine is something systematic, with effective and efficient rules and parts that work together to create something. To start with however, we explored a very systematic approach by using grids to create and experiment with type as it’s restrictive enough to keep the typeface neat and consistent but provides enough space and possibilities to explore different styles.

I chose the word “true” as I believe it has letters which would allow me to explore different aspects of a typeface such as

• An x-height which would be aligned with the “x” such as “u” and a rounded letter which may differ to the x-height such as the “e”. The “r” would be a combination of both. Additionally, the “t” would allow me to explore where I would place the dash and I feel like that would change how neat and easily read the font is.
• The cap-height could be determined by the “t” when it is in lowercase as it’s an ascender therefore it would be interesting to explore as I could stylise it to be the same height as the x-height or drastically higher than the x-height.
• The eye of the “e” could be challenging as some rules I apply to the typeface may completely get rid of that enclosed space.

I began with the circular grid that took over the whole sheet however found difficulty with it as the circles weren't very consistent and the gaps between them were sometimes filled and sometimes not however the alternating circles allowed me to explore fonts that were out of my comfort zone as I'm very used to straight and angular fonts. 
I think the most successful typeface from that grid is when I explored keeping the cap-height the same as the x-height as it was interesting yet still legible and conveyed a clear system. I continued this rule in varying styles on other grids too and I still believe they are among the most successful in conveying a clear system as I was able to keep a consistent number of filled in grids the same or keep the angle the same as they're all the same height.