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Introducing verbal graphic language and design precedent

Author: Michael Twyman. (1982)

Abstract: Twyman introduces the concept of verbal graphic language and argues that to design effective verbal graphic communication it must be first understood.

Twyman expresses concerns that the relationship between content and form has been lost. Also that the electronic age will take as its one and only influence printing, and not consider the era of manuscript.

The concept of Verbal Graphic Language is discussed and a matrix of symbolisation vs configuration put forward. Twyman suggests it is important to understand the concept of verbal graphic language before being able to effectively design for it. It would be interesting to use this matrix as a test on examples of web site navigation and structure, to identify any patterns ­ particularly so since the concept was created before the advent of the web.

Decisions are often pre-empted by precedent, without thought. This concept has direct relationship with the concept of defacto standards by Nielsen and human centred design by Norman.

The belief that most will need to be educated to design messages graphically ­ educated, rather than trained, to understand and learn the general principles.