Helvetica and New York subways

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35 points·grellas··8 comments

This is what a designer's true work is! Solve a problem - bring clarity and form to chaos. While the problem "too simple" was a UX thing.

World of designers need more examples like this, especially in web and User Interface designs - where they think "Photoshop Magic" or "detailed icon sets" are the key and not solving the problem.

Particularly up in the Bronx, there are still the wonderful serifed mosaics that the author mentions only in passing, and that to me speak more on the enduring New York: http://www.flickr.com/photos/70323761@N00/192331109

Very nice article, good overview of the planning and design process.

There something ironic about the web page using Arial as main font.

If you're not a designer, this will clue you in to the joke: http://www.specialops.co.nz/blog/arial-vs-helvetica/

The nice comparison chart there shows that, for the purposes of signage, the difference is academic. The sign for the G train set in Arial or Helvetica will make no difference for riders. Or "Exit" in Arial or Helvetica... no perceptible difference.

here's the original article the book this is a review of is an expansion of: http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/the-mostly-true-story-of-hel...

The unpainted art-deco shiny metal sides of NY subways is probably more iconic/emblematic.

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