Design of a Devanagari Typeface in Multiple Weights
Needs of graphic design changes over a period of time, Typefaces are designers tool to create strong visuals for flawless communication. There is a growing need for fonts in multiple weights, which will cater to the requirements of different platforms. Typefaces are generally classified according to the wide usage of text and display. One of the objectives of this project is to bridge the gap between text and display typefaces. So that the requirement can be met with only one font family.

A brief study of devanagari letter structure helped in form exploration. Various calligraphic tools gave direction in creating potential designs. A set of styles of the letterforms were selected to set a guideline of the characteristics., which will suit the need of the project. One of such exploration was of geometric rounded letterforms.

It proved to be a distinct and an interesting approach which could possibly meet the purpose of the project.
Taking the geometric approach forward, sketches were made of the letters in various weights. Samples of stroke widths for various weights were developed. Digital versions of three weights of the font were created simultaneously. This helped in testing the letter proportions and widths across weights. Matras and letter combinations were coded by using OpenType.

A working typeface in three weights i.e. light, medium and bold was created. This typeface is legible in text, in small point sizes and is attractive in display sizes. The name of this geometric devanagari typeface is ‘Acacia’.

References:

• http://therumpus.net/2010/02/women-snakes-andstalkers-south-asian-book-covers/
• http://www.youshouldliketypetoo.com/blog/nicesigns/dadar-textile-shop-signs/
• https://poojasaxena.wordpress.com/
• http://www.handpaintedtype.com/
• http://www.aksharaya.org/
• http://www.aksharaya.org/aksharsanvad10.php
• ‘Conceptual Model of Devanagari Typefaces’
  by Dr. Girish Dalvi. 2010
• ‘Elements of Typographic Style’ by Robert Bringhurst
• ‘The Stroke’ by Gerrit Noordzij
• Adobe Open Type Features, MM Design.
• Latin Typeface Used in this book is Gotham designed by Hoefler & Co. and Devanagari is Acacia designed by Snehal Patil, 2015.