Typography can clarify as well as obscure. <shameless plug> Take a look at the ofazomi.org downloadable contract samples, deliverables schedules samples and terms of service samples for a sample demonstration of the “clarity” part. </shameless plug> As for “obscuration” part, try to read just about any other seemingly straight-forward legal-form including, Attorney and Typographer Matthew Butterick argues, the infamous “butterfly ballot” shown above. While his argument is a bit, um, specious, resting as it does upon glyphic characters and the synonymity of layout and type choice, as well as hinting at implied collusion, we’ll let logic fall because we agree with the supposition. Got it? Well, whatever. Here’s the scoop: Luckily or ignobly, there are a handful of lawyers who have been trained in the typographic arts, including the aforementioned Mr. Butterick. He invites lawyers to embrace clarity through type. While ofazomi.org enjoys the irony of his quest, his website is an excellent typographic primer. Check it out: Here.
A typographic, designological, visulicious extravaganza!