OUGD601 - Type Classification

The classification of type is the way in which typefaces are categorised. A classification system can be helpful in identifying, choosing and combining typefaces.

Over the past century, quite a few classification systems have been proposed. Most are generally believed to be subjective and incomplete, and many of them use the same terms for similar but slightly different classes. The impossibility of a truly complete classification system has led many people to dismiss any attempt to classify typefaces — there are simply too many variables to make anything close to a practical, comprehensive system. Essentially, classification describes typefaces; it does not define them. It’s not inflexible, and is more of an aid than a rule.


The first classification system was proposed by Francis Thibaudeau in 1921. His system was based on categorising the serifs of the letters.

The primary “official” classification system currently is the Vox-ATypI system. Originally put together in 1954 by Maxmilien Vox.

These 9 categories are then split down into further divisions to account for the variety in characteristics.

Ambrose, G. and Harris, P. (2011 [2006]) ‘The Fundamentals of Typography’, 2nd Edition, Switzerland: AVA Publishing SA

The Vox system was adopted in 1962 by the Association Typographique Internationale (ATypI), which made a minor change at the 2010 conference to include Gaelic as an extra category. It classifies typefaces in 11 general categories, with some subdivision. 

Another way in classifying type is by date, a system created by Alexander Lawson.

Ambrose, G. and Harris, P. (2011 [2006]) ‘The Fundamentals of Typography’, 2nd Edition, Switzerland: AVA Publishing SA

A more general way in classifying type is by overall characteristics. Instead of going a detailed at the Vox system, this follows date and style, grouping them very generally in six categories.

 Williams, J. (2012) ‘Type Matters’, London: Merrell Publishers Limited


From these different classification systems they all are very similar in the categories, and an overall and general classification system can be created in: Blackletter, Old Style, Transitional, Modern, Slab Serif, Sans Serif & Graphic.

References:
http://www.fonts.com/content/learning/fontology/level-1/type-anatomy/type-classifications
http://www.designhistory.org/Type_milestones_pages/TypeClassifications.html
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2013/04/17/making-sense-type-classification-part-1/