Ballots Quote by Michael Bierut
“Certain kinds of typeface design and typographic design are designed to persuade: we can make this company look modern if we use a crisp sans serif typeface, or we can make this restaurant look like its been around forever if we use typefaces and layout styles that have been around forever too. But there are other categories, and ballot design is one of them, where the goal should be to be purely functional. There have been notable failures in this category.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Design Talk, Michael Bierut, 2015
Typography can influence perception, but functional contexts like ballot design must prioritize clarity over persuasion.
In simple terms: Design should be clear, not manipulative, in critical contexts.
Key Takeaway
Design for function, not persuasion, when stakes are high.
Themes
design ethics
communication
clarity
politics
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
guidance
philosophical
When to use this quote
- election ballots
- legal forms
- public signage
- user interfaces
Key Concepts
visual hierarchy
cognitive bias
information design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can designers balance aesthetics with neutrality?
- What safeguards prevent persuasive design in civic materials?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on aesthetics can mislead voters.
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