Kinetic Gen Type

Context
Kinetic Gen Type was the second artefact from my masters thesis, which asked, “How can generative design influence typography and transcend a digital format into a tangible setting?” While the first artefact focused on a large-scale publication, this project explored how kinetic and motion-based typography could be experienced without a screen. I wanted to test whether movement could be translated into something tactile, playful and easy to share.

Challenge
The challenge was to create a physical system that could communicate animation using only printed materials. The system had to be easy to understand at first use, while still offering enough range to reward experimenting with placement and movement. I also wanted the format to feel familiar and reference the history of hands-on type tools like Letraset, while pushing that idea into a more generative space.

Solution
I developed a series of A3 sticker sheets that materialise kinetic typography through layered generative forms. Inspired by Letraset sheets, four sets were created, each based on a different style variable: weight, line, bubble and pixel.

Using unique animation methods, I combined five generative variants of the same letter to create the illusion of movement without a screen. The system works with an accompanying striped sheet called the catalyst. By placing letters in any direction on a surface and moving the catalyst across them, horizontally or at an angle, new motion effects and additional generative forms emerge.
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The result is a physical variable font, an interactive, low-tech way to experience generative typography through touch, play and movement.

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