Helvetica documentary

Helvetica documentary by Gary Hustwit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKdCoq5KZG4

This documentary looks at the history of typography, focusing on the creation of Helvetica and its impact.

Introductory notes on Helvetica: 'timeless', 'just there', 'easy', 'clear', 'good for everyday'. 'It is professional and serious, but also comfortable and accessible.'

'Perfect balance of push and pull, it is contained.'

All letter are designed to look the same.

It answered the demand. 

The introduction on computers took Helvetica and made it default.

Due to its usage, some argue it is the typeface of capitalism, however it can be argued it is the typeface of socialism due to it being all encompassing, for everyone.

EMERGANCE OF HELVETICA

1950's, post-war. Design was moving away from idealism to modernism. Designers were looking for a way to strip it all back, putting the focus on its function, not decoration. Swiss design emerged and thus the Helvetica typeface, performing as an easy reading typeface for the public. Modernists approved of this typeface as it is more machined and neutral. The meaning is in the content of the text, not the typeface itself.

'Helvetica' is from the latin name of Switzerland. Means 'the swiss typeface'.

MATTHEW CARTER ON DESIGNING A TYPEFACE

- Starts with 'h'

- Decides if sanserif or serif, if serifs are heavy or light, the weight, etc.

- Then does a round letter such as 'o'

- Then 'p', relating curves and straights with 'h'

- Puts letters into words as soon as possible to see how it reads and judge its performance.

AFTER HELVETICA?

Experimental type came in, e.g. Raygun magazine, which abandoned rules. 'Communicating isn't necessarily the right thing'.

'Type has spirit, it can convey mood'.

OWN OPINIONS

Although I can agree and appreciate the functionality of Helvetica, I believe type can be more than this. I see the typeface design as part of the meaning of the text. It conveys a mood.