Some fonts, no matter how ubiquitous, might be sabotaging your brand's visual identity. Web design studio Kraam has unveiled its 'most-hated' list, revealing that even tried-and-true stalwarts like Arial and Times New Roman are not as solid as they seem.

Their analysis scores these fonts against key criteria such as proportions, stroke consistency, apertures, distinguishability, and structural consistency. The results? Many fonts fall short in subtle yet crucial ways, potentially impacting readability and user experience.

Take Arial Narrow, which scored just 30 out of 50. Its compressed character width can make text feel cramped, especially on smaller screens. Century Gothic fares slightly better but struggles with its near-perfect circles and uniform strokes, creating a repetitive look that hampers quick reading.

For designers, the implications are clear: choosing the wrong font can subtly undermine user trust and engagement. Kraam’s Senior Designer, Keith Blues, advises prioritizing open spacing and clear letterforms to enhance readability across devices.

The lesson? While Arial may be safe, it's far from perfect. Embrace unique typefaces that resonate with your brand's identity and message, or at least ensure they pass the subtle scrutiny of professional analysis.