Some issues (Interpolation & Design choices)

[RandomMaerks]

Since the last time I submitted an issue here, I've been following the development of this beautiful typeface because I truly think this is a 'godsend' for an open-source typeface. I really appreciate the effort you guys put into this project.

Now, I've been playing with the variable font (because I like it when they morphing), and I found some issues. Some of them are not actually that obvious, and it's only on very obscure occasion when it becomes a problem. But some others should probably be fixed immediately, as they might be used a lot.

1. Interpolation (slnt axis)

• For tabular figures, the slash inside '0' and the two circles in '8' goes funny when interpolating in 'slnt' axis
  

• Superscript, subscript, denominator, numerator '8' and even fractions with denominator '8' have the same problem
  

• Negative circled '8' also have the same problem, but circled '8' is perfectly fine
  

• The three components of the divide symbol (÷) have wrong orders, resulting in whatever this is
  

2. Design choice

• Tilde mark is a bit too thin (in terms of height) in lighter weights, and looks almost like a macron in smaller size
  

• No double-storey for 'æ', which can be mistaken for 'œ'. Although a similar issue has been reported (No accents over “a“ on Sylistic Alternate 1  #20), I still think the 'æ' also needs to be fixed
  

Version and other details
This is Mona Sans Variable downloaded straight from here, commit 7e1ed76 (2 months ago).
I have not tested this with static fonts or the other typeface, Hubot Sans.
The website I used to test this is Dinamo Font Gauntlet.

I've also looked through previous issues from other people to make sure there are no duplicates.

[tobiasahlin]

@RandomMaerks thank you sincerely! The detailed reporting of these issues is incredibly useful.

Our current focus is on getting the fonts onto Google Fonts for easier distribution, but that said, I'd love to get to fixing these issues as soon as possible. The documentation here certainly helps 🙏

[tobiasahlin]

Early draft for "no double-storey for 'æ'" fix 🙏

[RandomMaerks]

Great work, @tobiasahlin!

I think the character looks great so far, but I do have some suggestions (based on my personal opinion):

• The "stem" that connects 'a' and 'e' is a bit too thin
• The dark spot on top can use a bit of contrast
• Add inktraps

[tobiasahlin]

@RandomMaerks wonderful, that makes sense—thanks for this feedback!

[PionerJn]

Double storey æ already exists (and looks perfect) in hubot sans:

[eweracs]

Hi, the interpolation issues as well as the æ have been amended in 2b2b35d. An upcoming version will provide the corresponding exports. Thanks for pointing this out, in any case.

[eweracs]

You can find the updated v1.1 exports in e2577d3.

[RandomMaerks]

A couple of bugs in the exports:

• The ogonek in ę is disconnected from the letter itself when it should be a smooth connection. This problem seems to appear in Light + Italic, Condensed Light + Italic masters. All Wide and Wide Italic masters are fine.
• This bug is present in the variable font, not the static fonts. Also appears in the Google Font Variable export.

• The ogonek in ų is occasionally severed from the bottom right terminal. This problem affect the Italic masters (Condensed ExtraLight Italic + Condensed Light Italic)
• Seems like both the variable and the static exports are affected by this bug. GF Variable export for Italic also suffers from this.

Also, having found there were Vietnamese characters in the type system, I feel like I need to mention this issue once more:

• The tilde is still way too flat and is not as pronounced as the other diacritics. This results in legibility issues, especially when used in smaller sizes.

Everything else looks pretty promising. Great job!

[eweracs]

Hi. Thanks for pointing out these issues, I will need to investigate again. There seems to be an export bug that makes the anchors shift in the variable font.

For the Vietnamese tilde, I'm afraid I'm not responsible for the design, but will raise the issue. I will try and redraw it myself and get back to you. Thanks!