Responses by Jonathan Hill, founder and director, The Northern Block.

Background: The purpose of the project was to explore the fundamentals of type design through a simple, constraint-led system using pixel-based construction. By building the typeface from a single modular component, the project focuses on how small changes can influence an entire design system. It also challenges the conventions of pixel fonts by introducing proportional spacing and multiple stylistic variations. Boxal is aimed at designers working across branding, digital and editorial projects who are looking for a distinctive, retro-inspired aesthetic with a modern, flexible approach.

Design thinking: I wanted to challenge some of the conventions associated with pixel fonts. Moving away from a strictly monospaced structure to a proportionally spaced system introduced a more familiar rhythm and usability, particularly for contemporary design contexts. The addition of multiple styles—Diamond, Dot, Line and Square—came from exploring how far that single component could be pushed, creating variety without losing the integrity of the core idea.

Challenges: Designing beyond a monospaced grid meant finding the right rhythm between characters without breaking the logic of the system. Balancing consistency, legibility and visual personality within those constraints ultimately made the project both demanding and rewarding.

New lessons: The project was a valuable learning experience. Working with such a reduced system reinforced how much can be achieved through constraint and how small adjustments can have a significant impact across an entire typeface. It highlighted the importance of rhythm and spacing, particularly when introducing proportional spacing into a pixel-based design.

It also offered a different perspective on the design process itself. Using Glyphs’s pixel tool encouraged a more immediate, almost intuitive way of working compared to more complex outline-based methods. In many ways, it simplified decision-making while sharpening focus on the fundamentals of form, balance and consistency.

Visual influences: The visual influences came primarily from early arcade video games, where strict technical limitations led to highly distinctive and efficient forms. Low-resolution screens, fixed grids and the need for clarity at small sizes created a visual language that was both functional and characterful. That raw, uncompromising aesthetic became a key reference point for the overall direction.

Alternative paths: If I were to start the project again, I would spend more time defining the system upfront—particularly the spacing model and proportions. While the constraint-led approach helped the design evolve quickly, a more considered foundation would have reduced some of the iterations later on, especially when refining the rhythm of the typeface.

I would also explore the stylistic variants earlier in the process. The Diamond, Dot, Line and Square styles emerged naturally from the core idea, but developing them in parallel from the beginning could have opened up more opportunities to push the concept further while maintaining consistency across the family. Optical sizing is something I’d like to develop further as a future update, allowing the typeface to perform more effectively across different scales while preserving clarity and balance.

thenorthernblock.co.uk