Universal Typography

A presentation at Industry in April 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK by Tim Brown

This talk was first given at Inspire in Leiden, NL, in 2012. Since then it has evolved in minor ways, but its focus on fundamentals is still relevant. Also given at An Event Apart (San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Atlanta), Smashing (New York), and as a UIE Virtual Seminar. This recording from Industry is the best yet.

Official blurb: The web is universal and, in this talk, Tim Brown shows us how to practice typography in a way that is equally universal. Focusing on traditional typographic principles, while also embracing progressive enhancement, Tim explains how fonts, CSS, web-enabled devices, and user contexts coexist. Together, we will reevaluate what it means to successfully set type — and inform our routine decisions about typefaces, font sizes, and white space.

Resources

The following resources were mentioned during the presentation or are useful additional information.

Typesetting demo

Buzz and feedback

Here’s what was said about this presentation on social media.

Getting a crash course in typography from @nicewebtype at #aeasf - this talk is incredible.
— Dave Hicking (@dhicking) December 9, 2013
@timbrown doing a lovely job of taking a novice like me through the world of Type #gettingeducated #indconf
— Ryan Sackett (@ryansackett) April 22, 2015
FANTASTIC closing talk by @nicewebtype, still soaking it in, I think I will be for a while!
— Monika Piotrowicz (@monsika) April 22, 2015
Designing for the web is like visualizing a tessaract - a 4D object. We shape experiences by manipulating their shadows.-@nicewebtype #aeasf
— Michael Boeke (@mvboeke) December 9, 2013
@aneventapart:

“Presentation is optional on the web—but not worthless.”

Five minutes into @nicewebtype’s talk, and I’m hooked. #aeasf
— Ethan Marcotte (@beep) December 9, 2013
@timbrown ok, ok, I'm now super inspired to dig into typography on the web. Where do I even start? #smashingconf
— Miguel (@miguelux) June 18, 2014
"The web has changed typography, but typography can help us define the web" @nicewebtype #smashingconf
— Erika Biga Lee (@ebigalee) June 18, 2014
#smashingconf "we build experiences by manipulating their shadows." That's pretty badass... @nicewebtype
— Jesse Bones (@im_bones) June 18, 2014
Nice to see things like http://t.co/7DdE5JzdxD, the redrawing of fonts specifically for the screen. @timbrown at #smashingconf
— Dan Rose (@dblizzy) June 18, 2014
@nicewebtype really reinforcing how integral typography is on the web with each slide. Makes you rethink content strategy #smashingconf
— Jason Friedberg (Serial Thriller) (@jasonfriedberg) June 18, 2014
. @timbrown is talking about wide/narrow containers affecting line length. A current pain point we have at @wsolhq + @dkardys #smashingconf
— Dan Rose (@dblizzy) June 18, 2014
I definitely want the notes from @nicewebtype's talk. There are so many sites/links that I want to get back to! #smashingconf
— Adan, Mr. TwoGoobs (@Mr_Twogoobs) June 18, 2014
Don't set web type in pixels. Base font scales on device defaults. Give up control in order to serve the reader! @nicewebtype #smashingconf
— Sam Becker (@sambecker) June 18, 2014
.@timbrown just turned a n insightful typography presentation into a #webdesigner battle cry. Cray. #smashingconf
— TMBR (@wearetmbr) June 18, 2014
Properties to consider when choosing typefaces for body text: sturdy shapes, even color, active texture. @timbrown is full of smart. #aeasd
— Jenn Lukas (@JennLukas) May 13, 2014
Never realized how fascinating typography could be. Thanks @timbrown! #aeasd
— Andrew Pritchard (@AndrewPritchard) May 13, 2014
As a former typesetter, I really appreciate this presentation on Univeral Typography by @timbrown #aeasd
— Jill E. Warner (@JillEWarner) May 13, 2014
Presentation of type on the web is optional but not worthless, we as designers have to uphold its values. @nicewebtype #aeasd
— Kenneth Vella Ⓥ (@kennethvella) May 13, 2014
“Typography is like film editing and camera movement. It effects people without their being actively aware of it.” @nicewebtype #aeasd
— zeldman (@zeldman) May 13, 2014
@ScottKellum @nicewebtype @bram_stein thank you so much for this. You've just helped everyone combat one of web font's biggest pain points.
— Jordan Moore (@jordanmoore) December 9, 2013
What do we want typefaces to do for us? An inspiring talk from @timbrown #keyquestion #typography #aeasf
— Aleksandra Melnikova (@alex_andr_a) December 9, 2013
As a designer that was trained in print, its amazing to hear such an in-depth and informative preso to web designers by @nicewebtype. #aeasf
— Collin "Riff Father" Simula (@CollinSimula) December 9, 2013
"Typography is not a set decision anymore, but a continuum of conditional logics." Tim Brown @timbrown #typography #aeasf
— Aleksandra Melnikova (@alex_andr_a) December 9, 2013

Universal Typography

Typesetting demo