Everybody knows them, uses them while speaking and removes them when correcting texts. Filler words are a widely spread phenomenon in German. This project was developed from this linguistic observation. You can count about 360 words as filler words. In general they are known to be useless, but context plays a big role, because filler words can weaken arguments as well as strengthening them. This is where typography comes in.
The project includes a book, audios, a variable font and posters to show an experimental way of translating those words into writing. Twelve typographic experiments visualize effects of filler words such as making texts unnecessarily longer. Three experiments are turned into a variable font to show the complexity of filler words realistically. 9 poster from 9 designers represent unique views on the topic while using the variable font.
The project visualizes the importance of looking beyond the horizon of generalization, toward a more sensible use of language.

Katharina Vahlenkamp

buch.one, Offsetdruckerei Karl Grämlich GmbH