The movie Helvetica gives an interesting look into the design world and the conflicting opinions of many of today’s most prominent designers. The take-home message is that this typeface is ubiquitous. Whether loved or abhorred, everyone recognizes Helvetica and its prominence in the designed world.

The two major opinions are as follows:
Helvetica is over-used, redundant, uninspired, etc.

“Don’t confuse legibility with communication. Just because something is legible doesn’t mean it communicates and, more importantly, doesn’t mean it communicates the right thing.” -David Carson

Helvetica is the perfect typeface, the answer to just about every design problem.

“ And Helvetica maybe says everything, and that’s perhaps part of its appeal.” – Jonathan Hoefler

There is no right or wrong answer, but an important message to take from the film is,

“I’m very much a word person, so that’s why typography for me is the obvious extension. It just makes my words visible.” – Erik Spiekermann