Neo-grotesk typefaces have been called boring for decades. In interfaces, that quality is often exactly what makes them work.
Neutral, not empty
A good neo-grotesk does not carry much personality at text sizes, which leaves room for content, data and colour to lead. At display sizes, its proportions and spacing become expressive.
What to check before choosing
- Tabular figures for prices and data
- Clear distinction between I, l and 1
- A range of weights that survives on low-contrast screens
- Good rendering at small sizes on older devices
Personality can come from scale, rhythm and layout. Legibility has to come from the typeface.