From a style for a forgotten virtual assistant to a polarizing font
In the vast universe of fonts, there is one called "Comic Sans." This typeface is a polarizing figure, as some adore it while others loathe it. However, did you know that this font was born out of an inadvertent mistake?
In the early nineties, Microsoft had been crafting a software program named "Microsoft Bob," an interface that aimed to be user-friendly for Windows users. The program featured a virtual assistant named Rover, who was supposed to communicate with users in an amicable and approachable way. The designers needed a font that would not only be casual and relaxed but also easily readable.
Vincent Connare, a typographer who was a Microsoft employee at the time, was assigned to create this font for Rover's dialogue. He started by examining existing fonts with a similar informal style, but he was unimpressed by the available options. He then had an epiphany: why not develop a new font that would be perfect for Rover?
Connare went on to create the font himself, drawing each letter manually. He drew inspiration from comic book lettering, which he thought would suit Rover's dialogue well. The outcome was Comic Sans, a font with a distinct, rounded appearance and a friendly, welcoming vibe.
However, Microsoft Bob did not catch on commercially, and Rover was not widely adopted as a virtual assistant. Despite this, Comic Sans quickly gained popularity for other purposes.
One reason for its prevalence is its readability, making it a suitable font for individuals with reading difficulties like dyslexia. Moreover, its relaxed and playful appearance has made it a preferred choice for designers and design studios in various fields, ranging from website design to greeting cards.
Nevertheless, not everyone is a fan of Comic Sans. In fact, it has received much criticism over the years, with some designers arguing that it is overused and unsophisticated. Despite this, many people still adore it, as it adds a cheerful and light touch to their work.
Therefore, if you come across Comic Sans, remember that it wasn't initially intended as a font, but rather as a friendly dialogue for a virtual assistant that did not catch on. And yet, its inadvertent creation has made it one of the most recognizable and controversial fonts in the world.
