Helvetica and New York subways

[grellas]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703858404576214492061190946.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEFTTopOpinion

[kingsidharth]

This is what a designer's true work is! Solve a problem - bring clarity and form to chaos. While the problem "too simple" was a UX thing.

World of designers need more examples like this, especially in web and User Interface designs - where they think "Photoshop Magic" or "detailed icon sets" are the key and not solving the problem.

[diiq]

Particularly up in the Bronx, there are still the wonderful serifed mosaics that the author mentions only in passing, and that to me speak more on the enduring New York: http://www.flickr.com/photos/70323761@N00/192331109

[bioinformatics]

Very nice article, good overview of the planning and design process.

[mansr]

There something ironic about the web page using Arial as main font.

[g0atbutt → mansr]

If you're not a designer, this will clue you in to the joke: http://www.specialops.co.nz/blog/arial-vs-helvetica/

[zeynel1 → g0atbutt]

The nice comparison chart there shows that, for the purposes of signage, the difference is academic. The sign for the G train set in Arial or Helvetica will make no difference for riders. Or "Exit" in Arial or Helvetica... no perceptible difference.

[bgruber]

here's the original article the book this is a review of is an expansion of: http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/the-mostly-true-story-of-hel...

[panacea]

The unpainted art-deco shiny metal sides of NY subways is probably more iconic/emblematic.