Talking Points: Hogwarts Maps
How can words and images work together to create an imaginary world?
The Marauder’s Map is a fictional map from the Harry Potter series. Its distinctive design features serif fonts, hand-drawn elements, and technical drawings, and shows clear signs of age and heavy use, all of which fit with the aesthetic of the wider Harry Potter universe.
Watch the video below and answer the following questions to begin a discussion about the design choices behind the Marauder’s Map.
Please Note:
This page includes links and videos from external sites, verified at publication but subject to change.
Teachers should review all content for classroom suitability.
Report any issues, and check school firewall settings if videos don’t play.
Hogwarts Maps
There are many maps inspired by Hogwarts, the most famous of course is the Marauders map.
Use the sources below to focus a conversation with children about the typography and design of the highly visual maps. Mute the video and pause on different scenes of the original Marauders Map.
Questions to Ask Children:
Why do you think the designers chose the typography they did for the diary and map?
What kind of feeling are they trying to create?
How do you feel when you look at the map?
This Talking Points Is Used In...
using sketchbooks to make visual notes
Show me what you see
