AR Alphabet:
A Collaborative Experimental Pixel Typeface

In this two-part project, students discussed typography in video games (both art games and commercial games) and learned about pixel typefaces. Students created 2-dimensional pixel letterforms, and they explored how traditional rules of type anatomy might translate, or not translate, to strict 8-bit parameters. Next, students were introduced to a new tool: Aero, the augmented reality application. Using Aero, students animated letterforms in space, utilizing both 2D and 3D forms.

Students had to quickly and fluidly work between 2D and 3D, with a workflow that expanded from physical sketching to digital rendering on laptops to mobile phones. In tandem with letterform creation, students were asked to think about play—specifically, how actions associated with “play” might translate to motion. We discussed differences in virtual play versus analog play, and what it means to re-create physical actions in hyperreality. Students then filmed their AR type in locations around Chicago and presented them in a class exhibition.

Finally, we utilized our collaborative experimental typeface in a virtual whiteboard to assemble various words together. Check out the type in action here!

Instructor:
Grace Spee

Students:
Isabelle Dizon
Julian Flannigan
Jaewon Hong
Minkyung Ko
Gracie Koh
Amanda Leon
Johnnie Lewis
Pearl Lomax
Rebecca Pizano
Amanda Reformado
Melissa Romero
Mikaela Tom
Jiaqi Wu