Why Helvetica?

Why is Helvetica so popular among Graphic Design?

"Helvetica, designed in 1957 by Max Miedinger, is a bold and unambiguous statement based entirely on rationality. The characters are closed, simplified in construction, and fit at 90 or 0 degrees. Logic presides throughout, providing an overall effect of monotony. Its cool efficiency of form (often the reason given by designers for choosing it) is at the expense of readability. But that was never as important as the bigger idea. Miedinger set out to design a neutral typeface and he achieved this admirably. Was it for this reason that Helvetica was chosen as the default typeface on most computers, making it (probably) the most used typeface in the world? Technology has cruelly distorted the old Shaker adage: ‘That which in itself has the highest use, possesses the greatest beauty.'"

JURY, D. (2001) Why Helvetica? [Online] Eye Magazine. Available from: http://www.eyemagazine.com/feature/article/why-helvetica

[Accessed: 10th February 2014].

There's no doubt that Helvetica is one of the most used Typefaces of all time, if not THE most used; but why? What makes it the choice for so many designers? Well the age old argument is basically that because of it's neutral design criteria, it can embody the language of any design proposal, fit any brief.

Personally though, I think it comes down to a deep-rooted anatomical level. To highlight this point I've done some research into the differences between Helvetica & Arial to show how I think the reason well-informed designers choose it is because they appreciate the appreciate the aesthetic value of it compared to similar Typefaces. The main difference for me between Helvetica and many other San Serifs is that the terminals of many of the characters are exactly parallel to the baseline, whereas other faces (like Arial) have an angle to them, which I personally think isn't as attractive.

I collected some physical research from the book:

Müller, LM (2002) Homage to a Typeface. Switzerland: Lars Müller Publishers

There were many pieces I could have chosen to cement my argument of Helvetica's success, but one that particularly caught my attention was a series of pages displaying how many brands use Helvetica as part of their logo, this collective really speaks for itself. Out of list their are firms that include: BMW, Skoda, Texaco, Panasonic, Toyota, British Gas and hundreds more. Miedinger clearly did something right when he designed it.

I've also started to bring together pieces of my own that I've found that showcase Helvetica, I've noticed around Leeds in particular that it's especially popular when it comes to clubbing, wire nightclub use it, and so do Control. Perhaps it's something to do with the visual associations of the clubbing culture of Cream.