OUGD405 - Wayfinding Typeface

Typeface

For the system I created a typeface. I created each character using combinations and variations of one shape. The shape was created in the research stages of this project and it successfully communicates an uneasy feeling as it contains regular angles, it is also very versatile.

The aim was to create a Typeface that would work well as a stencil as it would be spray painted onto the ground along with the other elements of the way finding system. The typeface had to be consistent with the system. By using this shape the typeface should have fit with the system as the arrows, logo and pictograms are all based on this shape.

The resulting typeface had some redeeming qualities such as the character if the A and interesting angles produced. However, there are some major faults such as the variance in weight and the difference in x height of many of the characters. The typeface also didn't work when placed in context.

The end result look juvenile and doesn't match aesthetic of the map and pictograms that have been produced. 

I decided to not continue to develop this typeface but pick an existing one to match the feel of the system. The type needed to be sans serif as the map and pictograms had very little decorative flourishes and the aesthetic of the system is harsh and functional. London Underground also uses a sans serif typeface and I wanted to continue the link between the tube way finding system in London and the hidden underground way finding system in Leeds. My first Instinct was to chose Futura as it is a sharpe typeface, however, the letters were too rounded and the finished look was too polished for a publication that aimed to translate the atmosphere of being underground.

Futura

Instead I chose to use the typeface Open Sans Condensed Bold, a condensed type that made a greater impact than futura.

Open Sans Condensed Bold