Typefacing the Visual Culture: Developing a Versatile Digital Devanagari Typeface
摘要
The paper addresses the need to preserve and develop regional scripts in India, focusing on the Devanagari script, which is widely used but under-represented in the emerging context of digital typography. Current approaches in the field are limited, with a small number of type foundries, studios, and individuals leading the way in local script design, leaving a gap for accessible methodologies for students and aspiring designers. The research argues what would be a methodology for designing an Indic typeface that reflects India's rich visual culture. The study uses ethnographic methods, including direct observation and interviews with local artisans, to gather data on hand-painted Devanagari letterforms in Nagpur, a city with a vibrant tradition of street typography. This data is then analysed and classified to identify key stylistic elements and contextual factors. The findings highlight the potential for integrating the authenticity and craftsmanship of traditional hand-painted letterforms into digital typefaces. The resulting typeface, Mohalla, combines the unique visual language of street typography with the practical requirements of digital design, providing a culturally aligned and technically sound solution for both body and display text. The study concludes that preserving cultural heritage in digital typography enhances visual diversity and fosters a deeper connection to cultural identity. By offering a demystified design process, this paper bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern typographic practices, ensuring that India's rich typographic heritage is preserved and evolved in the digital age.