type.xlsx

As I experimented in Excel, I found a rhythm between experimentation and calculated decisions. 

Taking inspiration from the fluidity of text-based CAPTCHAs, I created a typeface where spontaneity meets constraint. Each glyph borrows from the transient nature of distorted text, juxtaposed against the rigidity of Excel’s gridlines. The result is a pixel-like, playful but structured typographic experiment that challenges our perception of tools not traditionally associated with graphic design.

Cell widths shift and distort. The glyphs become increasingly abstract, teetering on the edge of recognition and chaos. This builds on the principle of CAPTCHA. While a bot struggles to decipher distorted letters, we — adept at interpreting characters across diverse fonts and handwriting styles — can navigate and decode them within irregular and unfamiliar contexts. This interplay of form invites us to pause and slow down as we explore patterns and our perception. 

Repurposing computing concepts and transforming humble software into a canvas for art is nothing new, yet their unique capabilities and limitations continue to offer untapped possibilities for creative expression.