reuse

Reuse.otf Generative, Reusable Type Specimen
Based on the Structure of Helvetica

Spring 2021

1–2

Reuse is a generative, reusable typeface that acts as a
representation of the circular economic model. Two of the
primary principles of the model are eliminating waste and
reusing materials to create new product. The Reuse typeface
takes the structure of the popular Helvetica font and uses a
repurpose method through creative coding to create new
forms. The typeface utilizes the opentype.js library in p5.js
as well as the controlP5 library in Processing.
Once the forms are created, they are then inputted back into
code to repeat the generative process. The goal of this type
specimen is to push the boundaries of reusability with typo-
graphic forms. In the end, several variations of the Helvetica
typeface will be created through our generative process.
Legibility of these newly created forms may very well be put
into question as they continue to be manipulated and
distorted, but legibility in this project is not the priority.
This type specimen booklet documents and walks through
the repurposed type design process that created Reuse.otf.

3–4

step one

Choose a typeface with a timeless structure. In our case, we
chose Helvetica. Helvetica has been one of the most popular,
recognizable sans serif typefaces in existance.

5–6

step two

Input Helvetica into the opentype.js library in p5.js. Export the
new typographic forms.





9–10

step two

Input Helvetica into the opentype.js library in p5.js. Export the
new typographic forms.

11–12

step three

Import the exported opentype forms to Processing. Use the
controlP5 library to generate letterforms made up of circles.
Export the new letters.





15–16

step three

Import the exported opentype forms to Processing. Use the
controlP5 library to generate letterforms made up of circles.
Export the new letters.

17–18

step four

Repeat the process of inputting a typeface into the
opentype.js library in p5.js. This time, import the l
etterforms generated from step three.

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Created by Jack McEntee ArtCenter College of Design
Generative Typography Special thanks: Roy Tatum, Kyuta Soto

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