The Rapid Elearning Blog

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - learn about fonts in these games

When building an elearning course there are three main considerations:

  • What content will be in the course?
  • What will it look like?
  • What will the learner do?

Most of the content in the course is text. And the look and feel of the course is also dependent on text. That’s because the text in your course serves two functions: it is what we read and it is a graphic that contributes a contextual look and feel.

How to Learn About Fonts & Typography

In today’s world there’s no shortage of free fonts. The challenge is learning more about them and how they’re best used in your elearning courses. And one of the best ways to learn about fonts is to play some games.

You’ll find a few different activities and games that help you learn more about fonts. But before you jump into the font games, let’s take a step back and think about games in general.

Since this blog focuses on elearning and courses design, look at these font games as if they were elearning courses. What do you like best? Are there things you can apply to your own courses? How do they engage the learning process?

Now onto the games.

Games to Help You Learn About Fonts

Spacing of letters in your words helps make the text easier to read. If you move letters too close together it’s hard to read. And if the letters are too far apart, it’s hard to discern distinct words. The spacing between letters also contributes to the font’s style.

KERNTYPE

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - learn about fonts using kerntype game

Kerntype helps you learn about kerning (spacing) by dragging letters and positioning them to look right. After you drag the letters, you compare your choice to the recommended solution.

I SHOT THE SERIF

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - learn about fonts using I shot the serif game

Fonts have different elements that make them unique. One of those elements are whether it has a serif or not. Can you spot the fonts with a serif? If so, take your best shot.

TYPECONNECTION

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - learn about fonts using the typeconnection game

In a previous post we discussed a few simple rules when selecting font pairs. The TypeConnection game takes it a step farther by letting you match two fonts and seeing how they pair up. It’s a great way to learn about what works and what doesn’t when using different type.

Which game did you enjoy most?

Events

Free E-Learning Resources

Want to learn more? Check out these articles and free resources in the community.

Here’s a great job board for e-learning, instructional design, and training jobs

Participate in the weekly e-learning challenges to sharpen your skills

Get your free PowerPoint templates and free graphics & stock images.

Lots of cool e-learning examples to check out and find inspiration.

Getting Started? This e-learning 101 series and the free e-books will help.



5 responses to “3 Interactive Games to Help You Learn About Fonts”

August 19th, 2014

I Shot the Serif was far and away the most fun game. Very challenging but winnable. I always need help with font selection, so thanks for this post.

August 19th, 2014

Nerd Alert! I had so much fun! I love fonts and often have discussions about what fonts help “tell the story” of the content we’re delivering. People totally think I’m a geek – but I don’t care. I just had the most fun during my lunch break playing these games. Thank you for sharing!! (My favorite was I Shot the Serif, too!)

August 20th, 2014

Fun and educational! Thanks, Tom!

August 21st, 2014

Totally fun and timely! We have had very churning “kerning” discussions this week – what serendipity that you had a game to illustrate the points! I forwarded your blog immediately to highlight 1. the learner perspective of this concept, and 2. that I am NOT crazy! But I agree, I am a nerd that I loved all of the games and learning derived from them! But I shot the serif is my fave! Thank you!!!!!

I’m a guy. I like shooting things. So,yeah, the gun one. Thanks for posting this. Fun.