NYTimes.com Redesign Announcement

Date:2014-01-08 14:35:01| Design|Browse: 98|Source: Fonts in Use|Author: André Mora

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I never thought I'd use the word wobbly to describe the New York Times. But here I am, looking at the FF Enzohas too much sway for a venerable publication. The Times wants readers to believe in an unimpeded, immersive reading experience, but Enzo contradicts that tone, waving like an excited kid.

The body copy is set inNYT Cheltenham, so I expect to see their sans, NYT Franklin, when a punch is needed. An earlier marketing page relied solely on Cheltenham and it's quieter, perhaps too passive. This announcement is meant to reach more people, so a bolder design makes sense. The video, which also uses Enzo, is an engaging way to get people excited about things like new grids. Is it possible that the video came first, determining the type selection? Maybe; but Enzo is served via Typekit, so it's availability there makes me think this was a simultaneous decision. Anyway, that wouldn't explain the deviation of brand.

Tomorrow the redesign goes live. At which point this promo will be moot — no previews or leaks have revealed that new fonts like Enzo will be introduced in the redesign. Too many of us know that marketing pieces are often produced separately from a publication's design department. Nonetheless, this should serve as a reminder that the wrong typeface will hijack the mood. And nobody wants to read when they're being held hostage.

Update:On the new homepage, a link to this promotional site is front and center. And FF Enzo is being used in promotions, like banner ads, post-launch (show below).