Verdanagate
Verdanagate refers to the controversy and dissent that came forth after IKEA changed the main typeface used in its catalog to Verdana starting with the 2010 printing. After using a variation of the Futura typeface in its advertising and catalogs called Ikea Sans for many years, the company switched to Verdana. They cited reasons such as wanting to have the ability to use a single typeface in both print and web media on a global scale.
Disapproval of the change
A large number of bloggers and graphic designers expressed grave disapproval of the change almost immediately after its unveiling. Dissent was made public via online blogs and microblogging. It generally revolved around the widely held perception of IKEA's product line as promoting innovative product and graphic design over the entirety of its existence. The catalog was one of the most printed documents in the world, being printed annually more than copies of the Bible.
Blog reaction started with typography-centric communities but word spread rapidly to the point where 'Verdana' was a trending topic on Twitter due to its fairly large population of users interested in design topics. A petition was started amassing over 3000 names within the first 5 days.
Coverage in the press and online outlets
Time magazine and the Associated Press ran articles on the controversy including a brief interview with an IKEA representative, though they failed to interview customers of IKEA, instead focusing on the opinions of typographers and designers. Design and advertising industry-focused publications such as Business Week joined the fray of online posts. The branding critic blog, Brand New, used the Verdanagate name right as it entered wide use. The Australian online daily news site Crikey also published an article on the controversy.The Guardian ran an article asking "Ikea is changing its font to Verdana - causing outrage among typomaniacs. Should the rest of us care? Absolutely."The New York Times said the change to Verdana "is so offensive to many because it seems like a slap at the principles of design by a company that has been hailed for its adherence to them."
Dissenting Opinions
IKEAFANS.com, an online community of over 112,000 IKEA Fans worldwide, published two articles, voicing the opinion that IKEA's core customers actually don't care about the typeface used. Quote: "It's all about the furniture, folks."
Disapproval of the change
A large number of bloggers and graphic designers expressed grave disapproval of the change almost immediately after its unveiling. Dissent was made public via online blogs and microblogging. It generally revolved around the widely held perception of IKEA's product line as promoting innovative product and graphic design over the entirety of its existence. The catalog was one of the most printed documents in the world, being printed annually more than copies of the Bible.
Blog reaction started with typography-centric communities but word spread rapidly to the point where 'Verdana' was a trending topic on Twitter due to its fairly large population of users interested in design topics. A petition was started amassing over 3000 names within the first 5 days.
Coverage in the press and online outlets
Time magazine and the Associated Press ran articles on the controversy including a brief interview with an IKEA representative, though they failed to interview customers of IKEA, instead focusing on the opinions of typographers and designers. Design and advertising industry-focused publications such as Business Week joined the fray of online posts. The branding critic blog, Brand New, used the Verdanagate name right as it entered wide use. The Australian online daily news site Crikey also published an article on the controversy.The Guardian ran an article asking "Ikea is changing its font to Verdana - causing outrage among typomaniacs. Should the rest of us care? Absolutely."The New York Times said the change to Verdana "is so offensive to many because it seems like a slap at the principles of design by a company that has been hailed for its adherence to them."
Dissenting Opinions
IKEAFANS.com, an online community of over 112,000 IKEA Fans worldwide, published two articles, voicing the opinion that IKEA's core customers actually don't care about the typeface used. Quote: "It's all about the furniture, folks."
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