Humanist sans are sans serif typefaces that take up the proportions and rhythm of handwriting and roman typefaces. Their open shapes, slight contrast and generous apertures make them particularly readable, even at small sizes or from a distance.
Where to see it
Eric Gill's Gill Sans, released in 1928, is a classic, as is Frutiger, originally designed for the signage of Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy. Myriad, long used by Apple, belongs to the same family.
Why this detail matters
Humanist sans are among the most readable sans serif typefaces:
- Their generous apertures keep letters from being confused, which makes them ideal for signage;
- They remain comfortable at small sizes and on screen, for interfaces or information texts;
- They bring a warmer, more human touch than neo-grotesques, which are more neutral.
Related term
Sans serif refers to the large family of typefaces without serifs, of which Humanist sans are one of the subfamilies.