SI 520 Lab Lawrence Chang Helvetica Documentary Questions

Name of documentary, author/producer, and year. Name: Helvetica Producer/Director: Gary Hustwit Year: 2007

Is it "informational" or "promotional"? Support your argument. The documentary is informational because it does not assume knowledge of typography but provides an introduction to the world of graphic design, in particular typography. It conveys a history of modern typography and the personalities behind them; however, the ubiquity and impact of the Helvetica typeface requires that it be addressed. I also say it is not promotional because it features both promoters and detractors of the Helvetica font. If the documentary promotes anything, it is to spur interest and awareness of design, considering this is part of the directors trilogy of design documentaries.

Who is the primary audience it aimed at? The documentary is aimed at a general English-speaking audience.

What is the relevance of it to specific areas/topics of our course? Because our course addresses graphic design, and as we learned, graphic design serves to produce a specific reaction. As such typography is critical to understanding graphical communication and by situation it in history and understanding the professional space we know the societal and design context in which we work out designs.

According to the film, how does type affects our lives? With regards to the historical context of Helvetica the film say that type has served to convey a sense of the modern, the new, and a shift from the pre-war era. There is differing opinion on the role of typography with some who say it should serve just to communicate meaning in the text but not have a meaning in the typeface itself. Type serves to communicate identity particularly with corporations with some typographers noting how Helvetica gave corporations an identity of cleanliness and efficiency. Type can represent authority in the case of public signs and documents and have a humanizing effect with how warning and notices displayed. Type does sometimes provides a specific interpretation (e.g. icicles) and at other times allows for multiple interpretation (Helvetica). Many do communicate that typography provides a feeling or voice and sets the tone of the message and thus affects response to a message.

Will you use Helvetica for your future graphic projects? (optional) Yes. It has demonstrated that it allows for wide application. I would not use it exclusively.