Encountering Typography through the Tactility of Non‐Digital Tools in the Age of Screens

Abstract The influence of digital technology on design is undeniable, shaping both the practice and pedagogy of typography. While digital tools have expanded typographic possibilities, they have also made it more challenging to cultivate sensitivity to type's form, use and historical significance. Design educators continue to grapple with the implications of increasing dependence on digital technologies, particularly in typography, where expertise has traditionally been shaped by both human reading habits and technological advancements. Despite typography's central role in graphic design education, there remains limited literature on how different tools influence learning outcomes. This paper presents a case study of a project in which students exclusively use basic drawing and painting tools to achieve an unmediated design experience, rather than relying on digital simulation. The study also compares hand‐drawn typography with digital typesetting in InDesign, exploring the cognitive and perceptual differences between these approaches. Using surveys, semi‐structured interviews and direct observations, this research examines how different methods impact students' attention to typographic detail, their appreciation for craftsmanship and their understanding of typography's spatial and material dimensions.