History
Designed by Othmar Motter, Tektura was adopted as part of Apple’s earliest visual identity in the late 70s and early 80s.
Original Typeface
Tektura’s identity comes from its angular construction, tall x-height, distinctive negative space, and confident proportions.
The face belongs unmistakably to its era, and that character feels increasingly distant from the clarity, softness, and precision of Apple's visual language today.
Process
Preserved the geometry, proportions, and negative space. Reconsidered the construction, curves, and legibility.
Simplified construction for clearer stroke and counter relationships.
Refined curves while preserving geometric tension.
Balanced strokes for more consistent visual weight.
Improved legibility and recognition.
Softened rigid geometry with subtle humanist characteristics.
Redesign
The individual refinements are intentionally subtle, but together, they create a clearer, more cohesive system while preserving the boldness, geometry, and confidence that define Tektura.
Distinctive negative space remains central to the design, while tighter construction, controlled curves, and selective rounding create a more unified overall rhythm.
Flexibility & Variability
Expanded the face to be fully variable, giving it the range to adapt across different scales, products, and contexts.
Preserving Tektura’s distinctive forms while refining proportions and consistency.
Testing how the letterforms translate between two extremes.
Reworking joins, spacing, and counters to maintain clarity at lighter weights.
iPod Concept
Paired the revived typeface with a speculative return of the iPod, testing how the face holds up in product context
The changes are subtle individually, but substantial as a system – preserving Tektura’s distinctive character while bringing greater clarity, consistency, and flexibility to the typeface today.