A foray into the well trodden world of the grotesque sans-serif, Cognate speaks a familiar language with its own distinct cadence: succinct, confident, and self aware.
Although its DNA feels familiar, Cognate is not a revival of any particular typeface. Instead, it is a summation of a genre: the grotesques that encapsulated the Swiss or “International” Typographic Style of the 19th century, such as Akzidenz-Grotesk and, you guessed it, Helvetica.
Rather than taking big swings in the style department, Cognate relies on more nuanced details. Smooth branching, a high x-height, slightly narrow proportions for economic typesetting, and just enough flavor to taste. A balance of precision and personality, Cognate channels a similar sense of order and utility to its predecessors, while reintroducing a feeling of humanity often missing in more geometric grotesques. Rationalism with a twinkle in its eye.
In a time where design trends come and go every week, Cognate is a sans for today, tomorrow, and maybe even next month.