Analysis of Helvetica

Swiss designer Max Mieginger invented Helvetic in 1957. His aim was to create a neutral typeface that had clarity and could be used on a wide variety of signage. At the time the usage of san serif fonts was very rare. Herbert Bayer quotes that “typography is a service font” Helvetica fits in with this statement very well, companies such as American airlines changes their old serif logo to san serif Helvetica, as it gave off more of a simplistic elegant feel, many companies at the time did the same. Helvetica created a movement of simplicity and it is still been successfully used to this day with companies such as American Apparel.  Beatrice Warde states how “type well used is invisible as type” Helvetica is a typeface that was creates for function rather than form, as it is a Swiss modern design it’s minimalism makes it easy on the eyes. Beatrice Warde also quotes how “eyes focus through type not upon it” Helvetica is not a showy in your face font that draws your attention way from what you reading or the subject of its use. I think that the successes of Helvetica has been down to its clean, clear simplicity.