Type Designer Kosuke Takahashi had experimented with the limits of language and type design to create the unique typeface Braille Neue. But what makes Braille Neue so unique? Well, this typeface ambitiously combines Braille with English and Japanese alphabets. It’s what Takahashi calls “braille for everyone.”

By altering English and Japanese characters around the Braille grid, a stylistic and friendly typeface emerged. The typeface makes it look effortless, but as we designers all know that is usually not the case. In the English alphabet, there are 26 characters, far less than the 250 characters in Braille that could indicate various letters, numbers, and articles. You could probably imagine how many attempts it took for him to get to the perfect character. Takahashi also found in his research the experimental typeface was legible to all sighted people as long as it remained confined within the six dotted pattern.

The intention of Braille Neue is not an idea that hasn’t been explored by others. However, this is the most recent project that attempts to do it at such a large scale. This typeface is aimed to meet everyone’s needs at the Olympics and Paralympics for Tokyo 2020:

“Our aim is to use this universal typeset for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020 to create a truly universal space where anyone can access information…We aim for an inclusive society where using braille becomes commonplace.”

-Kosuke Takahashi

Braille Neue has two versions. The first is the Standard, which is exclusively in English and Braille. The outlined variant of Braille Neue is both Japanese and English with Braille. It’s unfortunate that this extremely useful typeface is not more available to the public yet. But it might be in the works soon as Takahashi hopes this will encourage more type universality in public spaces.

All images © Kosuke Takahashi

Every year a new batch of students graduate with a thesis, created through sheer blood, sweat, and tears. These were some of my favorite projects from MICA’s 2017 graduating class:

1. City Flora By Miles Holenstein
I loved City Flora because visually, it was cohesive, clean, and beautiful. Conceptually, it was surprising and interesting. ‘Weeds’ is a topic I never even thought about until this project. For example, I had no idea weeds help clean the air and soil in urban spaces. This thesis was educational, thoughtful, and well crafted! I loved the publication that went along with the display.

2. Typescapes By Daniel Frumhoff
As a designer, I am definitely biased towards what I naturally gravitate to. Typescapes grabbed my attention because of the flawless execution. I could imagine this project at the Cooper Hewitt. The idea of creating type inspired by the formal qualities of a specific building doesn’t pull at my heartstrings, but the craft is impressive. Creating a typeface takes years so I’m shocked by how many Frumhoff designed!

3. Willflower By Louisa Liu
Willflower is “an app that trains and strengthens users’ willpower through facilitated pauses.” I am always interested in how designers use technology to integrate wellness for humans. Technology has a bad rep for causing more harm than good in terms of wellness. This app definitely steers the audience towards mindfulness and self-awareness. Awesome concept and brilliant execution. I would try this app!

4. Baltimore’s Unspoken Past, Uncovering the history of the slave trade in the city. By Paula Baver
This thesis by Baver is both emotional and educational. In a time where it feels like we’ve gone back a couple of decades, I believe it’s important to be reminded of the past. I appreciate the integrative execution of this thesis, from the impeccable display to the modern app prototype. I could imagine this thesis being applied to the entire United States.

5. Type Terms By Linka Lin
Linka Lin created “a visual explanation of basic typographic principles.” Initially, this thesis didn’t sound particularly inticing. But then I watched the entire video and I loved it! The visual comparisons she made were witty. Often people get bored with type history because it feels abstract, but her visual explanations were extremely helpful (even more non-designers!). She nailed it!