Micro trends: Typographic influences

5: 3D motion

Old-school 3D effects are being celebrated by designers playing with RGB layering and stereoscopic methods. This brings a hybrid digital–analogue aesthetic to type projects.

Designed by recent Penn State University grad Thomas Wilder, Buggin’ Out is a series of bath and body products that challenge the eyes with their 3D effect labeling. The products’ labels were designed to make the viewer literally ‘bug out’ when they looked at the typography displayed along the bottle, hence the name.

Doug Stewart’s Regausser type design uses an unconventional method to create the most static of type. Magnetic damage is controlled creatively by applying magnetic fields to television sets in different positions, manipulating type and creating new forms. The positioning of the magnets is representative of their position on the television set, which creates an illusion.

Some designers are looking at creating a whole 3D experience, not just a product. Design studio La Bolleur hosted a party called Tupperware in Stereo, where an entrance ticket was a pair of 3D glasses. Attendees could use these to look at the 100 different 3D hand printed posters shown at the party, and experience the 3D effect. Designers at Geneva-based Schaffter Sahli developed a similar poster with a 3D optical effect to promote a group show at Villa Bernasconi arts centre.