A collaboration with Berlin type foundry NaN, Metrify Thai extends their neo-grotesk behemoth to Thai script in three distinct voices. Metrify A (shown below) adopts an industrial tone with machined architecture and idiosyncratic detailing; Metrify B takes a more minimal, rational approach for a contemporary feel; and Metrify C simplifies the architecture for a smoother, friendlier tone.

NaN had drafted the first concepts for the Thai extension, but didn’t have the bandwidth to take the fonts to the finish line. After an initial review and consultation, we made a few adjustments to the proportions and overall modulation, and trialled a large number of alternate glyphs to find coherent character sets for each of the A, B, C versions of the fonts.

Taking an ultra-rational approach, all three styles are drawn with absolute precision and are spaced meticulously, including “extra-special positioning” (ESP) — programming inside the fonts that automatically adjusts positions of abovemarks and tall vowel signs in certain combinations for the most immaculate appearance.

NaN Metrify Thai is available for licensing through NaN foundry.