Ikea Catalogue Font Change

[wyliepoon]

The TTC isn't the only organization that takes heat when its abandons its signature font...

http://www.thespec.com/News/Business/article/626249

Ikea catalogue - not your type?

August 31, 2009
The Associated Press
STOCKHOLM (Aug 31, 2009)

Ikea, the Swedish furniture chain, said yesterday it didn't expect such a backlash after switching typeface in its catalogue.

The company's decision to make its first font change in 50 years -- from Futura to Verdana -- has caused a worldwide reaction on the Internet.

"We're surprised," said Ikea spokesperson Camilla Meiby. "But I think it's mainly experts who have expressed their views, people who are interested in fonts. I don't think the broad public is that interested."

Verdana was invented by Microsoft for use on a computer screen. Ikea said it needed a font for both digital and print media.

A week ago, Romanian design consultant Marius Ursache started an online petition against the change. Yesterday, the campaign had more than 2,900 signatures.

 

[adma]

Hey, it could be worse.

 

[UserNameToronto]

Hey, it could be worse.

AAAAAHHHH! Give me Helvetica or give me...

 

[syn]

This is definitely an odd choice. Verdana is a nice font, but perhaps the most overused in the world at this point. Web technology has improved to the point that embedded fonts should be pretty standard in a few years. There was really no reason to change; the original font definitely looks better.

 

[nfitz]

On the other hand, we are all now aware that the 2010 catalogue is out. Changing the font appears to have brought them a lot of free advertising! I can't be the only one who more than anything is wondering if there's anything interesting in the new stuff.

 

[junctionist]

I've already checked out of necessity. They've got some decent entertainment units in attractive modern styles which are extremely customizable. Said units are very functional in that they can hold a lot stuff including the ubiquitous flat panel, which is a plus when space is limited. It's odd how limited the selection has become for furniture like that. You can store a lot of stuff in one central place like books, DVDs, photo albums, electronic gadgets, liquor bottles and extra plates and glasses for entertaining. The downside to IKEA's lineup is that veneers are middle-grade in terms of quality and probably applied to some very cheap wood.

 

[nfitz]

Interesting ... I was inspired to go their website and order a catalogue!

 

[Archivist]

I'm sorry, I consider myself somewhat font-sensitive, if amateurish, but people really need to get a life.

 

[GenerationW]

I'm sorry, I consider myself somewhat font-sensitive, if amateurish, but people really need to get a life.

What he said.

 

[Aaron]

I've already checked out of necessity. They've got some decent entertainment units in attractive modern styles which are extremely customizable. Said units are very functional in that they can hold a lot stuff including the ubiquitous flat panel, which is a plus when space is limited. It's odd how limited the selection has become for furniture like that. You can store a lot of stuff in one central place like books, DVDs, photo albums, electronic gadgets, liquor bottles and extra plates and glasses for entertaining. The downside to IKEA's lineup is that veneers are middle-grade in terms of quality and probably applied to some very cheap wood.

I got a little upset while recording and slammed my fist down on my Ikea desk. To my surprise, it wasn't a solid piece of wood, but a sort of thick veneer on top of a supporting network of crappy pieces of wood, with crumpled up paper inbetween.

IKEA - Swedish for, Good From Afar, But Far From Good