Writing allows us to preserve and transmit meaning, generate information
and express ourselfs as individuals. A text written by hand contains along
the linguistic semantic level a second level of metainformation including
traces of personality, the individual style of writing and even the persons
moods. Nowadays we are writing the bigger part using a keyboard on a
computer producing linear, optimized and standardized text.
In my thesis project i have examined the way we write. Writing is a basic
cultural technique for interaction between the self and the others.
„Writing lab“ is an experimental project exploring the act of writing in the
digital domain. It is based on a research about forms of interaction at the
human – computer interface and driven by a strong personal interest in
exploring the boundaries and progression between the physical and
the digital world.
Handwriting is individual and personal. Writing on a computer is linear,
optimized and standardized. It does not contain visual traces of personality
or individuality. Nowadays the bigger part we write is using a keyboard and
a computer (or even mobile devices).
The aim of my project is to create a starting point for a more personal,
individual way of textual representation and an investigation into the
multitude of ways of using a keyboard input device on a personal computer.
I am investigating possiblities of a digital ductus.
“Writing Lab” is an experimental research project exploring the act of writing
in the digital domain. The result of my work is an experimental research tool
visualising the multitude of different writing styles. The applications i have
created show a normally hidden pattern. My project renders different styles of
writing visible and comparable through modifying the appearance of text.
In addition “Writing Lab” investigates the possibilities of a digital produced
one-time existance text. Moreover my project comprises a toolkit for a different
approach to responsive typographic design, that could be use for a dynamic,
responsive Logo-design.
^ How to create a “digital writing ductus”?
^ Individual writing/typing styles
^ Application Keystroke: baseline-shift depending on force of keypress.
^ Application Keystroke: size of letter depending on force of keypress
^ Application Rhythm: spacing depending on writing speed
^ Application Rhythm: alpha depending on writing speed
^ Project presentation at gäste-ospiti-guests
^ Writing Lab. Several Participants in comparison.
^ Writing Lab. Participant on Q: Write about your first contact with the computer
^ Toolkit used for Poster Design.
^ Toolkit used for Fine Art Print.
Exhibition and Publication: ACM SIGGRAPH 2010, Los Angeles; Talking Type, Karlsruhe
Publications: Slanted #11
Instruction: Antonino Benincasa, Matteo Maria Moretti
Institution: UNIBZ
Related: Processing