Monotype’s Akko Typeface Featured as the Brand Identity Font for the “Hall of Human Life,” The New Permanent Exhibit at the Museum of Science, Boston
Woburn, MA (PRWEB) November 18, 2013 -- The Akko™ typeface from Monotype is the main brand identity font for the “Hall of Human Life,” the new permanent exhibit at the Museum of Science, Boston that opened Saturday. In addition to Akko’s appearance on screen and in print throughout the 10,000 square-foot space, the typeface is used in 3D signage as part of several exhibit stations, crafted to draw visitors into various interactive settings to fuel discovery and curiosity about what it’s like to be human.
Visitors are able to engage with more than 70 interactive exhibit elements to explore how the human body works, and how factors such as environmental circumstances, personal choices, physical attributes, diet, age and living conditions can impact daily life. As visitors journey through the exhibit, they may also take part in gathering and reporting anonymous data in an unending process of learning and discovery – all with the exhibit elements presented in a branded capacity using Akko.
“People will remember the ‘Hall of Human Life’ exhibit through the impressions they experience,” said Allan Haley, director of words and letters at Monotype. “As an essential component of any brand, the typeface works to affirm brand personality. The Museum of Science has done a beautiful job integrating a typeface that’s easy to read, approachable and friendly. There’s an ease and familiarity about it that’s a lot like being around a good friend. All of this adds up to an overall feeling that the exhibit creators sought to achieve – and did.”
“Akko has the right balance of qualities we were looking for in a branding typeface,” said Emily Marsh, Museum of Science senior graphic designer. “It needed to be highly legible at any size, from the tallest 3D letters to the smallest-sized text. It was important that the typeface be warm and friendly for both kids and adults, yet still be a strong presence. We love how Akko looks in the exhibit, and we appreciate how everyone is drawn to the design, even people who don’t know a thing about typefaces.”
Designed by Akira Kobayashi, type director at Monotype, the 24-font Akko family, is a sans serif design that offers a large x-height, which makes the typeface appear larger and easier to read, and slightly condensed proportions to help maintain legibility, even when several words are composed in a line of text. Kobayashi also designed the characters to hold an even texture, regardless of text size. “Akko’s techno, yet human qualities have made it an excellent branding choice,” Kobayashi said. “It’s great to see the Museum of Science taking full advantage of Akko’s versatility, providing a consistent look-and-feel on screen, in print and as part of the exhibit architecture.”
To learn more about how the Museum of Science chose Akko, please read the Type Case blog post, "Beyond Words: Museum Exhibit Reaches Visitors Through Type."
About Monotype
Monotype is a leading global provider of typefaces, technology and expertise that enable the best user experience and ensure brand integrity. Based in Woburn, Mass., Monotype provides customers worldwide with typeface solutions for a broad range of creative applications and consumer devices. The company’s libraries and e-commerce sites are home to many of the most widely used typefaces – including the Helvetica®, Frutiger® and Univers® families – as well as the next generation of type designs. Further information is available at http://www.monotype.com.
Monotype, Helvetica and Frutiger are trademarks of Monotype Imaging Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Akko is a trademark of Monotype Imaging Inc. Univers is a trademark of Monotype GmbH registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2013 Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.
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Contact:
Monotype
Vikki Quick, 781-970-6115
vikki.quick(at)monotype(dot)com
Propeller
Victoria Morrison, 44 (0) 20 3301 5344
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Maisberger
Vera Faller, 49 (0) 89 / 41 95 99 15
vera.faller(at)maisberger(dot)com
Vikki Quick, Monotype, http://www.monotype.com, +1 (781) 970-6115, [email protected]
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