Signal Ethic: Revolutionizing Food Allergy Communication

A Typeface That Speaks for Itself

Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, making it crucial to have clear and effective communication about allergens. Alvaro De Ramon Murillo, a renowned designer, recognized this need and created Signal Ethic, a groundbreaking typeface that integrates pictograms of food allergies directly into the letters.

Inspired by the universally understood AIGA/DOT pictograms, Murillo aimed to create a system that is not only visually appealing but also easily comprehensible by people from different cultures and backgrounds. By incorporating the pictograms into the typography, Signal Ethic eliminates the need for importing separate files and ensures that the pictograms are always at the correct size and spacing, depending on the type size.

Signal Ethic has been meticulously designed and tested, with nearly 100 individuals from all continents participating in the trials. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, with an average understanding rate of 80 percent. This innovative typeface has the potential to revolutionize the way restaurant menus, food labeling, and other materials are created, making them more accessible to individuals with food allergies.

One of the key strengths of Signal Ethic is its adherence to the quote by Otto Neurath: "Words divide, pictures unite." By combining text and pictograms, this typeface ensures better comprehension and follows current regulations. The 14 included pictograms cover the most common food allergies, affecting 99 percent of allergic individuals worldwide, according to the UN and EU.

Signal Ethic is not only a game-changer in terms of food allergy communication but also addresses the growing issue of eyesight problems. With its extraordinary readability, even individuals with cataracts can easily decipher the text and pictograms. This typeface sets new global standards in food safety and accessibility.

The creation of Signal Ethic was not without its challenges. Murillo had to develop nearly 20 versions of each allergen pictogram, ensuring consistency and attention to detail. Additionally, the optical corrections between positive and negative versions proved to be a demanding task. However, the end result is a typeface that surpasses expectations and sets a new benchmark for food allergy communication.

Signal Ethic has gained recognition and acclaim in the design community. In 2016, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Social Design category. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the practicality, innovation, and professional standards upheld by Signal Ethic.

With its unique integration of pictograms and typography, Signal Ethic is poised to make a significant impact on food allergy communication. By providing a clear and accessible system, this typeface contributes to a safer and more inclusive world.