Brief

I was tasked to find a design problem that stood out to me in the world of type. While looking for this problem, I knew I was wanting something with a deeper meaning and purpose. I ran across medicine bottles because they have always been a debate in the design world. They have caused many problems but on top of that feel so far removed from the patient. Medicine is a part of many people’s everyday routine, and it should reflect this in its design.


Philosophy

My typeface should accomplish three basic goals with the viewer. It should be a fully functioning display type for its company and medication. Then the type should relate the labels back to its history and feel rooted in its origins. Ultimately the user should feel that the medication is more personalized and not as stagnant. This is a product we use every day, and it should be given the respect it deserves.


Typeface Story

First I dove into the hundreds of prescription labels and did some comparing. I took note of what was or was not working and why.
Since this is a bigger design problem than just type, I had to be specific in my research. To really refine my design, I had to go back to its history. Glass bottles were how prescriptions originally came and felt more personalized. I decided to use the base of a glass bottle to form my typeface. The slanted edge worked its way into each letter. Even from the sketches you can see how it gave the forms a boxy and cohesive shape. After I was satisfied with my sketches, I moved to vellum. Here I hand drew each letter to give a more accurate presentation of the characters. This could allow our work to be critiqued and see how others perceive the typeface. Following the vellum iterations, the last step consisted of digital iterations. This process then led me to a full cohesive display type.

Touchpoints

Having physical sketches along side digital iterations really made this typeface tangible. Incorporating mockups made my characters interact with the environment. The public exhibition really tied everything together and gave people a chance to experience my work.


Takeaways

Creating a typeface definitely made me feel more well rounded as a designer. Now as this does not fix the prescriptions design problem, I believe it is a breath of fresh air. This process led me to a result that I could not have reached otherwise. With its bold demeanor, medicinal pro could prove well as a display type. Hopefully it will provoke thought next time someone comes in contact with a prescription bottle.


Made for educational purposes.