Watching Jonathan Hoefler’s episode in Abstract illuminated for me just how deeply type design shapes the way we experience information, emotion, and even trust. Hoefler’s passion for drawing letterforms and studying the personality of a typeface resonated with my own growing respect for the subtleties of design. I was struck by how much history, culture, and technology he brings into his process—seeing fonts as both an art and a utility.
The episode shifted my view of typography from “choosing fonts” to “curating a voice.” Hoefler’s demonstration of creating type for The New York Times, then adjusting every microscopic detail for legibility and expression, paralleled concepts we’re learning in class about hierarchy and clarity. The process is both analytical and emotional. For instance, he balances strict rules with moments of play, much like a musician riffing within a structure.
One insight I found inspiring was Hoefler’s fascination with constraints: how the limitations of physical printing, brand needs, or digital screens actually become points of inspiration, not obstacles. This aligns with my own design process, where working within boundaries leads to stronger creative decisions and more thoughtful communication.
The episode reinforced the importance of consistency, clarity, and detail in my own work. But more than anything, it left me excited to experiment—not just with the look of type, but with how it feels and functions for people. Type is storytelling, and, thanks to Hoefler, I see it now as a craft of both discipline and discovery.
Version 1
Version 2
Traveling often reminds me of a very specific anxiety: what happens if my checked-in luggage is delayed, or if I lose the little sticker with my bag info? It’s happened to me before, and it’s a worry that sticks around every time I fly. That’s why, for this redesign, I wanted to make the checked baggage details clearly visible on the right side of the boarding pass—no more relying on a sticker that could vanish at any moment. It’s a small UI shift, but the peace of mind it gives passengers means a lot to me.
From a visual standpoint, this project was all about experimenting. I played with gradients and even tried out Delta Airlines’ new font style—just to see what could happen. My real goal, though, was to reimagine the boarding pass as a kind of vintage ticket, blending classic graphic elements with new usability insights. This let me combine my love of design history with a desire for clarity and function—making something beautiful and genuinely useful for everyone who travels.