Helvetica

Typography is a crucial element of successful design which rarely receives the recognition which it deserves. Gary Hustwit's film however, presents a strong understanding of the importance of typography and the ways in which it functions within society. This feature-length independent film focuses on Helvetica, a well known and commonly used font which was developed by Max Miedinger with Edüard Hoffmann in 1957. It is this font which is revealed at the center of design, advertising, psychology and communication.

Helvetica, a documentary by Gary Hustwit made in 2007, presents an interesting insight into global visual culture and offers various perspectives through the words of innovative and influential figures from the graphic design industry. Massimo Vignelli, Paula Scher, Davis Carson and Stefan Sagmeister and just a few of the designers which arise in this documentary to offer a greater understanding of typography's role in society and their views behind the creative process and aesthetics.

One of the most striking messages of this film is the fact that typography, or rather design, is greatly integrated into the daily lives of individuals of the modern society. Further, design can be most successful when it does not receive attention but rather becomes intuitive as it allows us to navigate our environment. Design is presented as an element of our environment which is dynamic and always changing and adapting with society.