Charting the Unknown: A Typographic whodunit

As typographers, we strive to uncover hidden histories, challenge assumptions, and expand the typographic knowledge base. This talk traces the journey of one such investigation that began with a question that every typographer is familiar with: What typeface is this?

While conducting a typographic analysis of an aeronautical chart, we encountered a mysterious sans-serif typeface. At first glance, the example was tagged as Futura, commonly used in these applications. But, a double-story “a,” and inconsistencies in its geometry and rhythm suggested otherwise. Comparative analyses quickly ruled out suspects like Ludlow Tempo and other geometric sans-serifs, leading us deeper into the quest to uncover the typeface’s provenance.

Character-level analysis proved invaluable insights, revealing unique design decisions, thus prompting further questions: Was this typeface crafted specifically to enhance legibility in aeronautical charts? Or was it a deliberate imitation, created to avoid licensing fees?

Rather than stopping at identification, our inquiry evolved into a design challenge. Inspired by the potential of the unknown designer’s intentions, we set out to create a new geometric sans-serif typeface—one that integrates contemporary research to enhance legibility without abandoning the aesthetic principles of geometric modernism.

This talk will explore the process that followed: from historical investigation and forensic typography to design development. We will pose key questions along the way: Can a geometric sans-serif truly become more legible? What qualities must it possess to do so? And how far can we push conventional legibility standards without compromising the genre’s identity?

By sharing this narrative with the ATypI audience, we aim to demonstrate how typographic detective work—combined with research-driven design—can uncover new insights and lead to meaningful innovation in type design. Join us for a story of mistaken identity, questionable origins, and unexpected inspiration—a typographic whodunit.