pure design: systematic chaos
DESCRIPTION
The twenty-fourth "fable" from Mario Garcia's "Pure design"TRANSCRIPT
mario garcia
80
Systematic chaosEditors are always a bit shocked when I say that I would like to put
some systematic chaos on page one. Chaos has a negative connotation.
But, like a pinch of pepper in soup, chaos, in small doses and carefully
controlled, adds energy and zest to a publication. The front page is a
mirror of what happened the past twenty-four hours. Chances are it
was not an orderly fare of events. A front page that is dormant does
not reflect this well. So how does one provide systematic chaos?
Avoid perfectly rectangular architecture. Modular design can be
helpful on inside pages, but don’t over apply it to the front.
Wrap one major story around another one, allowing for two
stories to be above the fold. Sometimes, in our efforts not to make
headlines clash, we sacrifice energy and movement.
Have one photograph dominate, and sprinkle the page with a few
smaller photos (not too many.)
Add a dash of light color where the reader least expects it or add a
story that the reader is not likely to expect on the page, and give it
an italic headline.
Mix serifs and sans serifs, preferably from within the same family of
type.
Create templates to “plan” systematic chaos. That is what makes it
systematic: it is controlled, with a purpose, planned to be that way.