Italic alternate ampersand

[djrrb]

Currently OpenType Stylistic Set 02. Forms do not interpolate.

My assessment is that it is not worth the complexity of keeping the connected bold form as a feature variation.

[djrrb]

I think it works! Leaving this open to leave space for any objections

[lyubomir-popov]

Both look good to me. Does this mean you're keeping the connected bold version?

[djrrb]

Three options as I see it:

A) Delete the connected bold version, use the new disconnected version so that the shapes are consistent across the weight range and interpolate continuously

B) Implement a “feature variation” where the form automatically swaps from disconnected to connected at a certain point on the weight axis as the font gets heavier

C) Create a new OpenType Stylistic Set for the connected version, so the ampersand has two alternate forms (connected and disconnected).

Option A is the simplest approach. With Options B and C, a light connected version will get drawn so that both connected and disconnected forms can interpolate (not a problem).

The question is whether the forms are different enough to warrant the added complexity, and if so, whether that should happen automatically (B) or be a choice given to users (C).

[lyubomir-popov]

I would trust your judgement on this, (A) seems fine to me if the screenshot above shows the thickest weight. We would never use such a thick weight at small sizes, so I'm not worried about any artefacts when seen at a small size.

[djrrb]

Yes the screenshot above is showing the Bold, which is the thickest weight. I’ll leave this open and check the rendering before making a decision, and others are free to weigh in in the meantime.

[waynecrosby]

I'm happy with the new disconnected version (A) but again will leave it up to you after you have checked the rendered version.

[djrrb]

check rendering

[djrrb]

Confirmed this looks fine!