“ If it ’s me , [ I ’m using ] Helvetica , ” Matt Luckhurst , a graphic architect , toldBloombergin 2015 . “ Helvetica is beautiful . There is only one Helvetica . ”
Until now . AsWiredreports , the typeface has just been revamped for the first time in X by Monotype , which boasts the world ’s largest type library and own the rights to Helvetica . The new and improved version , visit Helvetica Now , aim to better attend to modern users while also working out the kinks consociate with the old intent .
While Helvetica is still ubiquitous , several major companies — including Google , Apple , IBM , and Netflix — have expend the typeface for branding purposes in late years . Issues related to kerning , punctuation sizes , and scrunched characters are all common bitch with the former interpretation .
By demarcation , Helvetica Now comes in three versions to beseem different needs . There ’s a Micro version for little screens , a Display version for large type sizes , and a Text version that makes use of ashen space to offset visually “ demanding ” designs . ship’s company will need to grease one’s palms the permit to the unexampled Helvetica , but the font ’s creators are hopeful that everyone will be making the switch in due time .
“ Helvetica Now is the tummy - tuck , lift , and lip filler we ’ve been wanting , but were too afraid to ask for , ” graphic clothes designer Abbott Miller , a partner at design consultancy Pentagram , said in astatement . “ It offers beautifully drawn alternate to some of Helvetica ’s most awkward moments , giving it a surprisingly , thrillingly contemporary character . ”
The original Helvetica was contrive in 1957 by two Swiss intriguer who dubbed their typefaceNeue Haas Grotesk . It was n’t until 1961 that the font was renamedHelvetica , and the font ’s last major facelift came in 1982 with the vent of the background - friendly Neue Helvetica .
Of of course , that was pre - internet , and Monotype ’s theatre director , Charles Nix , says everyone ’s font need have changed a great deal in the intervene X . “ Neue Helvetica was the first digitization of Helvetica , ” Nix said . “ That was a longsighted time ago , and so much has happened in our world since then . ”
[ h / tWired ]
