The font I have chosen to produce a Type Specimen of in this project is Helvetica.
Helvetica is a neo-grotesque, sans-serif typeface developed in 1957 by Swiss designers Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann and is one of the most widely used and recognisable typefaces ever created. Helvetica was created during the modernism movement, and is part of the International Typography Style(or Swiss Style). Modernism was a movement which focussed on moving away from the overly decorated style that pre-war design featured and began the use of simplified shapes and negative space. The International Typography Style was a design style which commonly featured grid systems, asymmetric layouts and use of sans-serif layouts. Part of Helvetica’s success was due to it being created to be easy to read and applicable in any situation, which has led to its’ many and varied uses, with it still being used in design today.
I started gathering example uses of Helvetica on a Pinterest board, I find this a really useful way to begin projects. It lets me gather a lot of imagery that I may way to draw inspiration from and just let it sit in my head and develop while i continue to work on the project.
<aside> 🔴 Pinterest Board for Inspiration
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<aside> 💭 It’s interesting to note than the poster for the documentary is in-fact a Type Specimen itself all be it a somewhat simple one.
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Helvetica is a 2007 documentary, directed by Gary Hustwit, about typography and graphic design, with a focus on the typeface of the same name. The documentary examines the impact of the Helvetica typeface in design and its’ usage in everyday life.
The documentary signifies the widespread use of Helvetica. While I’ve always been aware of the typeface, it wasn’t until after watching the documentary that I began to notice it everywhere. Another interesting point in the documentary is how widely loved Helvetica is with even its harshest critics appreciating its ruthless efficiency. Due to its simplicity, Helvetica can fit into almost any purpose, which the documentary highlights. A notable positive of the typeface is that the font doesn’t detract from the meaning of the text, with a lot of the designers that are interviewed in the film liking it because they believe the typeface shouldn’t influence the meaning of the design. While I can understand this, I do understand and somewhat agree with the opinion of Eric Spiekerman, who believes the overuse of Helvetica has depleted its value. Spiekerman compares Helvetica to air, as a way to signify that is just there and has no use other than being just the standard typeface.
Another interesting aspect of the documentary is the commentary on the capitalistic side of Helvetica. Paula Scher signifies the fascistic unionisation of corporate design brought on by Helvetica. The typeface is often viewed as the typeface of corporatism, due to its neutrality. However, there is also the argument that Helvetica is representative of socialism, due to its ability to be used by anyone in any project. I would be inclined to agree with the view that Helvetica is representative of socialism, due to its usage in the rebuilding of society post-war world and its ability to be used by anyone and for anything.
This has been a fascinating watch which has allowed me to gain valuable information about the typeface and it has been interesting to see the opinions of many top designers on this iconic typeface.
One of the most notable uses of Helvetica is the New York City Subway signage. Prior to 1967, the NYC subway signage was designed by three different companies, with each of them having their own design style for the signage. In 1967, Massimo Vignelli was hired to redesign the NYC subway signage, in an attempt to provide users with an easier experience when using the transport system.
Vignelli’s signage system is simple and elegant, providing users with recognisable colours and icons that allow for easy navigation through the complex tunnels of the subway. One of the factors integral to the efficiency of the signage is the use of the Helvetica typeface. The NYC subway is fast paced and confusing environment, so the use of a clear, bold, and easy to read typeface like Helvetica allows users to be able to read and understand information on the go. Helvetica’s use in the NYC subway system is a testament to its’ elegance, legibility, and its’ ability simplify and unify.