Would have been interesting to also see a note about Verdana, and know if Microsoft shifting away from Arial as the default sans serif has changed its popularity as much as one might think.
simondotau · 1h ago
For a while IKEA used Verdana as their corporate typeface, to the howls of despair from font aficionados everywhere.
Personally, I loved it. I think it really encapsulated the idea of it’s so bad that it’s good and really suited the “assembled at home“ vibe.
duskwuff · 42m ago
I don't understand the Verdana hate. It's a decent screen font, especially at low resolutions. It may not be ideal for print, but that isn't what it was designed for.
qu1j0t3 · 13m ago
1) Overexposure.
Same problem that Georgia has: Otherwise a very serviceable Matthew Carter design.
2) It's a screen font.
In print and display applications, it really does look gross.
It’s very refreshing to read something about typefaces that isn’t glazing the magnificence of Helvetica!
simondotau · 1h ago
Helvetica is like vanilla. Often mischaracterised as plain and “default choice”, when done well it’s a distinct taste all of its own. In the hands of a master chef, it can be spectacular. But the majority of it is low effort and low quality.
qu1j0t3 · 12m ago
Yeah basically true; it's described as "neutral" but it absolutely is not.
I have to admit, though, the New Haas revival is so amazingly good that it makes me want to like Helvetica.
The Scourge of Arial (2001) - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10538384 - Nov 2015 (26 comments)
Would have been interesting to also see a note about Verdana, and know if Microsoft shifting away from Arial as the default sans serif has changed its popularity as much as one might think.
Personally, I loved it. I think it really encapsulated the idea of it’s so bad that it’s good and really suited the “assembled at home“ vibe.
Same problem that Georgia has: Otherwise a very serviceable Matthew Carter design.
2) It's a screen font.
In print and display applications, it really does look gross.
Source: A Friendly neighbourhood typographer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvetica_(film)
(though it's marred by Arial being passed off for Helvetica in at least one showing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVhlJNJopOQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8PdffUfoF0
I have to admit, though, the New Haas revival is so amazingly good that it makes me want to like Helvetica.