Muir & McNeil, a trailblazing design duo, have debuted a fresh design methodology in “System Process Form.” They propose the concept of ‘farming’ over ‘hunting’ in design, implying a more strategic and steady approach rather than one rooted in sudden, unplanned inspiration.
This method underlines the cultivation of design elements for more reliable results. Coupled with their groundbreaking use of typography in the book, they’re striding towards a more evolved, forward-thinking design practice.
The methodology, first presented in 2015, encompasses a database of 23 typesetting systems with 198 distinct font styles. It enables the creation of a diverse array of unique hybrid forms through the combination of different design elements.
This diversity adds depth to brand messaging and allows for bespoke customization. It’s a very adaptable model that, while originally developed for branding, holds potential for any field where visual communication is paramount.
Their 400-page book is an avant-garde feast of algorithmic design.
Sustainable design strategy: Muir & McNeil’s innovation
It delves into the blend of abstract thought, planned execution, serendipity, and human deliberate design in the creation of visual content. Moreover, it provides a step-by-step breakdown of the complex design process, revealing the profound intricacy of the design world.
Contrasting with the common full-color printing, “System Process Form” uses layered spot colors, adding an unpredictability factor in the Two Type System. This method serves as a reminder of the role of chance encounters in design.
In their creative process, Muir & McNeil see their ideas as preexisting solutions revealed by their designs, powered by digital design’s mathematical properties. By aligning the precision of modern maths with traditional typographic design principles, they aim to further propel the evolutionary journey of type design.
Their ethos diverges from the usual individual expressions typifying design fields. Instead, they advocate for persistent exploration and the generation of a multitude of new outcomes based on solid foundations, thus promoting a design principle built on sustained investigation over fleeting personal expression.
Overall, in “System Process Form,” Muir & McNeil champion an approach that harmonizes the wisdom of the past with the innovation of the present, ultimately driving continuous evolution within design.
