Publication
Case Study
Client
The Friendship Association
Services
Editorial Design
Industries
Non-profit, Promotion
Date
January 2023
Designing a Historical Publication with Innovative Footnote Layout - "Los Hombres de los Cascos de Acero y los Fusiles Springfield"
Project overview
Project
Design of a book for Editorial La Mezquita, Ediciones Nuevos Mundos
Scope
A historically significant publication providing a compilation of documents from Escuadrón 17 of the Guardia Rural, focusing on the psychological perspective of soldiers through extensive archival material, including personal notes and combat records.
Design Challenge
The book required the integration of a vast number of footnotes due to the nature of the historical research. The traditional placement of footnotes at the bottom of the page risked disrupting the reading flow and made consulting them cumbersome for the audience. Additionally, the book design needed to reflect its historical and cultural importance while being accessible and engaging for readers unfamiliar with this subject.
Solutions
Ensure the footnotes were easily accessible without breaking the reader's concentration. Instead of placing footnotes traditionally at the bottom of the page, we designed a dedicated column adjacent to the main text where notes appeared at the exact location they were referenced.
Design
Concept
The book's content revolves around Baracoa, Cuba, a region known for its unique historical and geographical significance. The layout incorporated visual nods to the locality, such as: A subtle blue-green palette reminiscent of Baracoa's lush forests and mountains. Decorative elements inspired by Cuban typography and graphic design of the 1950s, grounding the book in its cultural context.
Cover
The cover symbolizes resilience and introspection, mirroring the psychological depth explored in the book. A textured background resembling aged paper, reflecting the historical documents. The juxtaposition of a soldier's silhouette with the Baracoa landscape in the background, symbolizing the tension between the military's role and the revolutionary forces. A bold, sans-serif typeface for the title, suggesting strength, paired with a classic serif font for the subtitle, emphasizing historical gravitas.
Interior Layout
The page layout features generous margins and line spacing, creating a sense of balance and breathing room for the text and footnotes. The main body text is set in Andada at 11 pt, while the footnotes are set at 9 pt, maintaining readability. Andada, a serif font designed with versatility in mind, supports a wide range of characters and idioms, making it an excellent choice for multilingual content and ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.
Publisher
Throughout the design process, we maintained close collaboration with the editorial team at La Mezquita. Regular feedback sessions and design iterations ensured the final product aligned with their vision and met the needs of the target audience.
Prior to printing, we conducted a thorough review of the manuscript, addressing any typographic errors, widows, and orphans. We also ensured that all footnote references were accurate and hyperlinked correctly for easy navigation.
Take Aways
Prioritize reader convenience and accessibility when designing complex reference material.
Thoughtfully incorporate cultural and historical context to enhance the reader's connection to the content.
Maintain open communication and iterative design processes when working with clients on high-stakes publications.
Strive for design solutions that balance tradition and modernity, creating a timeless aesthetic.
Pay meticulous attention to typography, layout, and visual hierarchy to ensure an optimal reading experience.
