Last week I took a trip down to London to a film screen of Helvetica. A great weekend from all angles, with it being not only a chance to view this screening but to also experience only a side dish of what the west end’s design culture has to offer. (I can’t until my placement year!)

Definition: Helvetica is the name of a widely used sans-serif typeface developed in 1957 by Swiss graphic designer Max Miedinger.

‘A widely used sans-serif typeface’. Hrm, I think that could well be an understatement. Its remarkable how much this typeface is used and I found it truly informative to discover not only its origins but also where you can find it today. I can safely say that for most of my 6 hour journey home I couldn’t help looking for its traces.

Another thing I brought away from the film was the fact I hadn’t until now realised the significance that the work of David Carson brought to the type and design world. I think his work is astounding and after learning more about the history of type from Helvetica, I respect how much of a legend he, and the other designers who were interviewed actually are.

For anyone interested in design and type I would strongly recommend Helvetica; an informative and also intriguing look on today’s world of type. Well directed, well researched and very comical. Nicely done Gary Hustwit.

What typeface shall is use…….Comic Sans of course!

I for one have sure been waiting for this for a while! Jobs announced today at an Apple ’special event’ that the next gen of iPods are here.

You can read the full transcription here.

Even though the design for the new multi-touch model is a little predictable (iPhone!) I still think it works really well and can’t wait for UK availability.

Oh and the best part, a partnership with Starbucks! great nifty feature which syncs with any nearest store’s playlist although I reckon every iPod should come with a free Starbucks coffee ‘output’ port……