Twitter has started testing a new font for typing characters called Chirp. Announced in January this year, the typography can now be used – albeit in a restricted way – in the web version of the platform for macOS. There is still no information about when it will be introduced in other operating systems and in the mobile app.

User reports indicate that a broad implementation of Chirp on the web platform began on Monday night (10/05). In the test conducted by Vida Celular, the font on macOS follows Helvetica Neue, but American sites like Android Police and 360º Gadgets have already confirmed the change. Other details, of course, may affect the appearance of the new font and Twitter has not yet formally acknowledged the launch of the typeface.

https://twitter.com/BOVINEDREAMZ/status/1391883551134519301?s=20

Chirp combines elements of European grotesque and American gothic styles, with features that resemble woodcut compositions. According to the tweet above, from user (Bovinedreamz), the new Twitter font is available in three weights: regular, bold and extra bold. All are part of the Chirp Sans family.

Earlier this year, Twitter's chief creative officer Derrit DeRouen warned that Chirp will soon be seen on the web version, although it did not specify a release schedule. The font was developed in partnership with the Swiss company Grilli, responsible for creating alternative typography for Pinterest and WeTransfer.

https://twitter.com/DerritDeRouen/status/1354548684122255360

Imperfection instead of efficiency

The adoption of Chirp is an important detail: this is the first time Twitter has created a custom font. In the past, the platform has used fonts such as Helvetica Neue and Roboto, which alluded to the minimalist ethos prevalent in the 2010s: minimalism, sobriety and futuristic efficiency. This time, the idea is to bring unpredictability to graphic contours.

“Our main goal with this brand refresh is to improve how we convey emotion and imperfection,” DeRouen explained of the concept behind the change. “Whether you’re pro-Helvetica or anti-Helvetica, we can all agree that it doesn’t get the job done.”

Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. 360º Gadgets

Image: Marten Bjork/Unsplash/CC