1. CSS Typeface
Create a complete typeface using only HTML and CSS with a complete character set (A–Z upper and lowercase, 0–9 numbers, and ?!.,;“”-— punctuation). Once you’ve designed and coded your typeface, create a website to display your complete typeface. On this website, your typeface itself should be used as the primary form of communication. You might ask yourself: What makes a typeface specific to the screen or web? Can your typeface have multiple states? How does your typeface breathe?
Suggested readings:
- Tauba Auerbach, “P-E-R-S-E-V-E-R-E” (2017)
- Donald Knuth, “The Concept of a Meta-Font” (1982)
- Paul Chan, FAQ on Alternumerics (2001)
2. Local Website
Make a website only usable in a specific location. Think about what’s unique about being in this place physically. Why here? Specifically, you will imagine your website appearing after a user connects to your specific wifi network. What will you call your wifi network? Pick a specific name. Think speculatively. Imagine how people would interact with your website. What kind of people travel through this place? What is their mood when they’re here? What do they want or need or not even know they want or need? Depending on your answer, your website could adapt to specific screen sizes and devices. If it’s appropriate, consider a sign, plaque, flag, sticker, etc. in the physical space to let the website’s presence and/or purpose be known. Since this website should be understood contextually, carefully consider how to document your website and related narrative.
Suggested readings:
- Maya Lin, “Making of the Memorial” (2000)
- The Conversation Series, “HUO & Cedric Price” — excerpt (2009)
- Paul Ford, “Reboot the World” (2016)
