What makes a typeface future-proof for organisations where accessibility, stability and reliability is key? How does the use of type encapsulate the expression of a city in a way that is both accessible and functional? From the importance of type in digital formats to wayfinding in civic spaces, Eleni’s talk will address these questions and discuss why type design matters for governments.

With ever-evolving advancements in technology, how we ‘consume’ written content is changing — we need to ensure that type remains effective by rethinking how it behaves in new media and digital formats. The environments where type appears can vary greatly so typefaces must not only focus on aesthetics, they must also be multifunctional, scalable, and accessible to ensure a message always relates with the audience. In this talk, Eleni will illustrate how type has responded to digital advancements and will explore why it is a powerful tool for governments to communicate seamlessly in both physical and digital formats.

Beyond digital formats, Eleni will also address the importance of type design when developing identities for cities and places. Using examples from Dalton Maag’s work with the City of Vienna and Southampton City Council, she will discuss how a typeface designed for a place needs to balance many important requirements. It must capture not only the expression of a city or place, but also address the fundamental need for accessibility, functionality, and the different linguistic needs of an entire population.