Can IBM Plex topple Helvetica? (typemag.org)
over 5 years ago from Doğan URAL, Multidisciplinary designer. Specializing in UI design.
over 5 years ago from Doğan URAL, Multidisciplinary designer. Specializing in UI design.
Nope. Helvetica is a brand in itself. It's a cultural icon with the weight of Swiss design history behind it. IBM's corporate typeface isn't going to be able to soak up that kind of narrative in the way Helvetica has over the decades it's been around.
Topple? Why would even a typedesigner would even consider 'toppling' another font. I wish I had that much bloated ego as well.
loool "IBM Plex" <- Like I want your corporate ad in my font list. This project didn't even start off on the right foot.
Like say FF DIN? Or maybe Adobe Caslon? What about ITC Souvenir?
If you don't like corporations in the names of your typefaces, you're missing out on some great ones.
Am seriously disappointed in how this once-hyped TYPE mag has quickly become
I doubt it will topple Helvetica. They are two different typefaces with distinct styles. And as someone else referenced, Helvetica has it's own brand and history that will never be replaced.
Side note: I'm working on a project and noticed that Plex Sans and Open Sans have similar characteristics. If Open Sans and Ubuntu had a baby it would be Plex Sans.
Honestly San Francisco could, if they'd open it up (yeah, right), and Noto is the more likely bet.
Great article, I loved the depth it went into. But as others have commented, "topple" isn't a word I'd use for a new typeface.
Absolutely. It's sophisticated and all-around beautiful. We've already utilized the typeface on a client project.
What's the license like?! Is it open?
Looks to be under the SIL Open Font License
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