Background
PuzzleType is a custom display typeface built entirely from full square units arranged in a strict 4×4 grid. The system was inspired by puzzles, retro arcade graphics, LED scoreboards, and LEGO-style building logic. By embracing constraints, the project explores how minimal components can produce recognizable, expressive letterforms that scale across digital and print contexts.
Design Problem
Create a cohesive alphabet and numeral set that is playful yet structured, highly legible at display sizes, and flexible enough to work in multiple environments, from editorial layouts and posters to screens, counters, and scoreboards, while retaining a strong, ownable visual rhythm.
Design Solution
PuzzleType delivers a bold, geometric voice with clear rhythm and repeatable logic. The strict grid yields instantly readable forms, while the anchor rule preserves stability in complex letters. Fixed- width numerals and colon separators support timers, scores, and stats. The accompanying guide- line defines construction, exceptions, anatomy, and usage, and demonstrates adaptability through cohesive applications, posters, digital banners, wordmarks, and a sports scoreboard, maintaining a consistent, modern, and playful identity.
Mood board
Retro gaming, LED scoreboards, and modular building systems.
Goal
Explore how constraint-driven design can produce creativity.
Influences
Karl Gerstner’s grid theories, pixel typography, and Lego block logic.
Design through limitation
Start with structure → Define boundaries → Build the form
Simplicity builds rhythm.
All characters are constructed from a 4×4 grid framework using only full square units. The consistency of this constraint generates natural rhythm and visual unity across the type system.
Inside the Structure
Each character is composed of modular blocks that define core typographic features such as stems, bowls, counters, and terminals—illustrating how structure drives legibility and form within the 4×4 system.
Uppercase Alphabet
Each character in PuzzleType follows the 4×4 grid logic, balancing consistency and visual rhythm across the full alphabet and numeral set.
Numerals
Designed for clarity and balance, the numerals follow the same structural grid as the alphabet, creating visual harmony across all applications.
Refinement & Finding Balance
Iterations explored spatial balance, rhythm, and legibility to achieve a visually cohesive and adaptable display system.
Lego
Showcasing PuzzleType as a modular, buildable alphabet, linking type design to tactile creativity.
Nintendo Switch
Demonstrating how PuzzleType can bring retro-inspired charm to digital gaming displays.
Apple Vision / AR Interface
An experimental take on how PuzzleType integrates into futuristic, mixed-reality environments.
Wordmark Test of Minecraft
Testing type adaptability within pixel-based gaming contexts.
Brand Collateral
Applications across digital and print materials, reinforcing PuzzleType’s playful yet structured brand presence.
Flyer Design
A promotional concept showing how PuzzleType enhances bold, event-driven layouts.
Score Board
Dynamic use in digital scoring displays, highlighting readability and symmetry in real-time environments.
Applications & Impact
PuzzleType demonstrates how grid-based thinking can merge structure and creativity. Its adaptability across mediums—from playful LEGO blocks to immersive digital interfaces—proves how design constraints can foster innovation.
