The Road to Clarity, an article by Joshua Yaffa published in the New York Times on August 12, 2007 answered the question I've recently pondered while driving but never remember to research when I'm off the road: Is the typeface on Interstate signs changing?
A fellow Twitterer lead me to Yaffa's aforementioned article in reply to one of my tweets (gotta love social networking).
Yaffa writes, "Clearview is the typeface that is poised to replace Highway Gothic, the standard that has been used on signs across the country for more than a half-century. Looking at a sign in Clearview after reading one in Highway Gothic is like putting on a new pair of reading glasses: there’s a sudden lightness, a noticeable crispness to the letters...
...The letter shapes of Highway Gothic weren’t ever tested, having never really been designed in the first place...
...The Federal Highway Administration granted Clearview interim approval in 2004, meaning that individual states are free to begin using it in all their road signs. More than 20 states have already adopted the typeface..."
So, if you're noticing a lighter, brighter way of travel you can thank Don Meeker, an environmental graphic designer, and James Montalbano, a type designer.
3 comments:
I always prided myself on being observant, but I never noticed the change in the signs...are they only different up in your neck of the woods?
I agree that social networking is swell; and that's why you should add my blog to your roll! (I already added yours to mine.)
P.S. - this is Andy
In reply:
to Jay: No, it's everywhere, thought they may not be in PTown yet. My route to work is full of new signs and I've even experienced delays when leaving work late because they close a lane or two to put them up.
to Andy: Done.
Post a Comment