Using Numbers as Letters in Visual Communication and the Effects of This Use on Legibility

Abstract

In the 21st century, typography has developed as a means to enrich and broaden the borders of visual communication providing a wide range of new approaches. These new approaches provide a challenging and unexpected perspective for visual communication, such as using numbers instead of letters to enable designers to create new ways of expressions. We are indeed familiar with numbers being used to represent letters, syllables or phonemes. Today we experience two basic approaches in using numbers instead of letters. The aim of the first approach is to use numbers as phonetic symbols, and make the viewer to perceive them in this manner. Second approach uses the shape resemblance of numbers to the letters. It aims to make the viewer to perceive the numbers as they are and also as letters. These new ways of graphic approaches have opened a new window in visual communication and enabled designers to express two or more concepts at the same time. Therefore, the essence of syntax has evolved. The purpose of this article is to represent the existing design approaches in using numbers as letters and discuss which ones are favorable to express, introduce or promote a message. Moreover, it aims to evaluate some examples to investigate how legibility is affected. This article is based on a descriptive analysis to define and sample the existing design approaches of using numbers as letters as well as how the viewer perceives them and how they should be designed in order to deliver the message more efficient.