Multivers is a variable typeface that merges the two technical implementations of phototypesetting and the typeball typewriter technology into a combined design synthesis. The font comprises three axes. One adjusts the weight of the typeface from light to bold, another creates an optical size and therefore optimizes the letterforms for setting small text, and the third modifies the letter shapes to transition between Phototypesetting and typeball typewriters.
Multivers sphere is inspired by the typeball typewriter technology, impacting its proportions, spacing, and corner forms. Due to technical limitations, each character is assigned to one of nine specific units, resulting in unique forms and distinctive spacing. As typeballs were crafted using molds and liquid plastic, subsequently nickel-plated, the tools employed also influence the letterforms. Consequently, the diameter of the milling machine used to shape the letters in the mold correlates with the rounded corners of the typeface.
For Multivers photo, the primary influence stems from phototypesetting, which operated using light exposure and a negative typesample. As less light passes through smaller openings than through larger ones, adjustments to the corners were necessary for this technology. To allow enough light to go through, corners were shaped into spikes. The proportions and spacing exhibit greater balance, as the unit system for phototypesetting was considerably finer than that of typewriters.
The variable font creates a field of tension between those two typesetting techniques. As the corners could not be more contrasting, at a certain point along the variable axis, they become edgy, so neither round nor spiky. This interpolated style is termed Multivers mix, reflecting the blend of proportions, spacing, and forms from the two extremes.