From Helvetica to Inter and beyond

Web fonts have a long and complicated history. While @font-face was first introduced in 1998, legal and licensing concerns prevented widespread adoption. For over a decade, designers relied on a handful of system fonts, from classics such as Helvetica and Times New Roman, to those specifically designed for the web like Verdana and Georgia. Microsoft and Netscape implemented different, incompatible font formats, further delaying progress. By the early 2000s, CSS3 reignited interest in web typography, with key figures pushing for an open format. The breakthrough came in 2009 with the adoption of @font-face across major browsers, the release of the Web Fonts module specification, and the launch of Typekit. The final piece was the Web Open Font Format (WOFF), which provided a standardised, lightweight, and licensing-friendly solution, paving the way for the rich typographic landscape we have today.

The following year, Google Fonts streamlined web typography even further, by providing a free, open-source library that was easy to implement. Unlike earlier options, these fonts supported extended character sets, making the web more accessible to diverse languages and scripts. With seamless integration and broad adoption, certain typefaces—like Roboto, Open Sans, and Lato—became the default choice for countless websites.

1. Introduction

• Start with a hook: Why sans serif fonts dominate the web.
• Briefly mention their evolution from system defaults like Helvetica and Arial to the highly curated options today.
• Set the stage: Why are alternative sans serifs important now?

2. The Default Era

• Discuss the origins: System fonts (Helvetica, Arial, Verdana).
• Highlight their ubiquity due to early web constraints and their role in establishing readability standards.

3. The First Wave of Alternatives

• Cover fonts like Roboto, Open Sans, and Lato.
• Explain how they emerged to offer neutrality and modernity with broader language support.
• Discuss how these fonts served as the go-to choices for designers seeking flexibility.

4. The Second Wave: Personalization and Aesthetic Identity

• Dive into the rise of fonts like Montserrat, Poppins, and Raleway.
• Explain how these fonts brought more personality while retaining readability.
• Mention how they became associated with certain aesthetics (e.g., startups, modern branding).

5. The Inter Era: Ubiquity with Utility

• Highlight Inter’s dominance: Its versatility, extensive features, and utility for digital interfaces.
• Discuss how it’s become almost a default again, creating a sense of sameness.

6. The Case for Alternative Sans Serifs

• Why designers are seeking alternatives: The push for uniqueness, overuse of Inter, or stylistic trends.
• Showcase current, lesser-known sans serif fonts with strong design principles.

7. Conclusion

• Reflect on the cyclical nature of trends and the balance between timelessness and innovation.
• End with a takeaway: Why exploring beyond the default enriches both design and the user experience.