Graphic designers save the world

Nick | 05 Jan 2009, 14:34

In this recent article on c&binet we suggested that a key challenge for creative consultancies is to demonstrate their value as problem solvers. Similarly, much of the discussion at the Liverpool c&binet dinner was focused on how the forum could be used to serve a higher purpose – to address wider challenges than simply money-making.

A Dutch design company SPRANQ has shown how it can be done, by developing the “ecofont“, a simple creative innovation which helps to reduce a problem faced by virtually every business – by cutting printer ink consumption by up to 20%.

As the Guardian (UK) Environment Blog says:

“Sometimes, life’s simplest innovations can turn out to be the most useful… As it’s now widely accepted that printing should be minimised, there seems little reason as to why most homes and workplaces couldn’t switch some or all of their printing to the new typeface.

“All right – a new typeface isn’t going to solve the planet’s problems, granted (and it might not be the best choice to use in a cover letter for that dream job), but surely innovative thinking like this is a positive step in conservation on any scale?“

SPRANQ has made the design free to download.