File Case no. ULC3R8
From Cells to Type Active Mutation
U LCERATE
Histology Report #1
Gastric Tissue
Dr. Dalal Elsamannoudi
NO. DE303789
Signed by: Date: 01.04.25
“To understand the disease, one must understand the cell.”
- Rudolf Virchow
Ulcerate is a variable typeface inspired by foveolar hyperplasia, a condition where gastric cells multiply uncontrollably. This type specimen book reimagines that biological process through design, turning microscopic overgrowth into shifting, expanding letterforms. By visualizing variability, adaptation, and loss of form, Ulcerate becomes both a response to the body and a redefinition of what type can express.
Chapter 1: Ulcerate ► Typeface Narrative ..................................... 04 ► Medical Report ......................................... 06 Chapter 2: Hyperplasia ► Foveolar Histology ..................................... 08 ► Cellular Transformation ................................ 10 Chapter 3: Formation ► Stomach Anatomy ........................................ 12 ► Typeface Development ................................... 14 Chapter 4: Application ► Variable Type in Motion ................................ 40 ► Typographic Use Cases ................................. 100
The Human anatomy
An Ulcer in the gastric area
Stomach ulcers
gastritis with foveolar hyperplasia
TYPEFACE NARRATIVE:
HISTOLOGY REPORT #1 15.01.2022
E2025.3311
Ulcerate is a typeface born from pain, designed and created by someone who endured the cycle of misdiagnosis and medical mistreatment. For years, her symptoms were misunderstood, her pain dismissed, and her body subjected to the wrong medications. What began as an internal discomfort spiraled into something far worse: foveolar hyperplasia , a condition where the stomach lining thickens due to chronic irritation, ultimately leading to a severe ulcer. The very treatments meant to heal her had instead eroded her from within. Typography became her way of reclaiming that experience, of turning the unseen into something tangible. Rather than simply looking at what an ulcer does, she looked deeper into the cells that caused it. Foveolar hyperplasia occurs at a microscopic level, where gastric cells multiply abnormally, forming excess layers that disrupt the stomach’s delicate balance. This cellular transformation became the foundation of the Ulcerate Typeface.
“If I cannot see what happened inside me, I will create it.”
A
B
C
CT scan of a peptic ulcer in the stomach (Niknejad 2024)
Signed by: Dr. Ulcer Ate Department of Experimental Histology and Typographic Morphology
Date: 19|01|2022
Official Record – For Research & Typographic Study Only
TYPE SPECIMEN MEDICAL REPORT
Typeface Name
Pronunciation
Classification
State
Ulcerate
(UL-suh-rayt) Variable Typeface
Shifting
Primary Influence
Stomach Ulcers, Foveolar Hyperplastic cells, and Cellular Adaptations
Nomenclature & Concept
Ulcerate comes from ‘ulcer,’ a wound, rupture, or erosion within the body, and ‘-ate,’ a suffix signaling transformation and adaptation. Just as an ulcer reshapes the stomach lining, Ulcerate expands, multiplies, and distorts, constantly shifting in form.
Stomach Shape
Foveolar Cell
Normal Cells to Hyperplastic Cells
shows how Ulcerate replicates hyperplastic cell behavior through four key processes:
Typographic Adaptation
Multiplication
The typeface continuously multiplies, mimicking hyperplastic cell proliferation (rapid & excessive cell growth)
1
Expansion
The typeface stretches in size, growing irregularly like thickened gastric tissue (excessive cell buildup due to irritation)
2
Weight shift
The typeface experiences uneven growth, causing fluctuations in density & form (variations in cellular mass & distribution)
3
Distortion
The typeface undergoes rapid multiplication, deforming shapes & disrupting uniformity (cells grow unevenly, altering structure)
4
ULCERATE TYPE LOGO
Type Specimen book review
This type specimen book documents the development of Ulcerate , a typeface grounded in the biological behavior of foveolar hyperplasia. It begins at the microscopic level, examining how an overgrowth of gastric lining cells multiplies beyond necessity and disrupts the balance of their environment. From there, the book moves into the anatomy of the stomach, which becomes the foundation for the typeface’s visual system. The stomach is not only a reference point but also a design framework that informs how Ulcerate grows, adapts, and transforms. The following sections trace the construction of the typeface, showcasing its full glyph set, weight range ( Light , Regular, Medium , Bold ), and visual characteristics. As the type moves through each weight, it expands, multiplies, and eventually deforms, mirroring the excess and instability seen in hyperplastic tissue. Each character is given a name, connecting it to cells found within the stomach and linking the typeface back to the biological systems that inspired it. To show the variable font in motion, simple animations bring the type to life, showing how Ulcerate evolves from clarity to distortion. This book responds to a core question: How can typography visually represent adaptation, resilience, and change by drawing parallels between biological and design systems? Ulcerate answers this by treating type as something that behaves like living tissue, expanding, multiplying, and deforming under pressure. Through structure, distortion, and motion, the typeface reflects the logic of cellular transformation, using design to express what the body itself could not make visible.
u
CORE CONCEPT
The logo is derived from the shape of the human stomach, abstracted into a distorted “U” to reflect Ulcerate’s biological origin.
CELL ORIGIN
Ulcerate represents foveolar cells in a state of change, capturing their overgrowth, imbalance, and transformation through a single visual form.
OBSERVATION
The surrounding circle references a petri dish or microscope lens, framing the idea of observation and cellular change.
01 04
2025
Official Record – For Research & Typographic Study Only
histology
foveolar cell shape
Hyperplasia is when the body grows more cells than it needs. Histology is the study of the microscopic structure of tissues, how cells are organized, how they function, and how they change under different conditions. Ulcerate examines the histology of foveolar hyperplasia, a condition where the mucus secreting cells lining the stomach (foveolar cells) begin to overgrow. These cells multiply excessively, increasing in number until their structure becomes disrupted and deformed.
hyperplastic cells
Normal cells
foveolar hyperplasia
Gastric foveolar cells micrograph
Looks like “b,d,& o” Looks like corkscrew Looks like “h,c & e”
normal
Proliferated
Deformed
Foveolar cells are the cells that cover the inside of the stomach and make mucus to protect it from stomach acid. Under normal conditions, they form a structured and organized layer that protects the stomach lining. In cases of foveolar hyperplasia, these cells begin to multiply excessively. This increase in cell number causes the lining to thicken, disrupting the tissue’s normal structure. The process does not involve cell damage, but rather an overproduction. The
system continues repeating itself until the original form is lost. This biological behavior directly informs the design of Ulcerate . The typeface begins with clean, stable letterforms. As the weight increases and shapes expand, the structure starts to break down. Legibility fades. Like hyperplastic tissue, the type becomes overwhelmed by its own growth, turning a cellular process into a visual language of disruption and excess.
Stomach anatomy
peptic ulcer stomach lining
flexibile endoscope
Gastric ulcer
duodenal ulcer
There are different types of stomach ulcers, but Ulcerate focuses on the gastric ulcer.
duodenal
duodenal ulcer
Gastric ulcer
esophageal ulcer
STOMACH ANATOMY & VARIATION
gut
There are several natural variations in stomach anatomy, including differences in shape, position, and structure, even in healthy individuals. Because Ulcerate originates from the stomach, these forms became the foundation for its design. Each letter reflects a specific anatomical variation, with some closely following the shape of the organ and others more distorted to emphasize the character’s function. The stomach serves as both the visual and conceptual base of the typeface, guiding how each form adapts and evolves.
sliding hiatal hernia
congenital short esophagus
the la the f
rotate
the same
fl
ack of fundus
advanced enlargement
cascade, “cup and spill”
lip
the same
rotate & flip
A abcd efgh ijkl mnop qrst uvwx yz E I M Q U Y B F J N R V Z C G K O S W Overlap of the Regular and Bold: The bold letters sit underneath, while the regular is layered on top, creating a dynamic contrast in weight and form.
D
H
L
P
T
X
The letter “F” is shaped from a mixed-type hiatal hernia , using the stomach’s bulging form as a starting point. After rotating its orientation, it’s refined into a legible letterform. The typeface uses a circular layout inspired by the structure of a petri dish, but each letter follows its own grid system, allowing for unique variation and controlled distortion.
original
altered
refined
Ulcerate Light
cells
Ulcerate Regular
cells
Ulcerate Medium
cells
Ulcerate Bold
cells
u
u
Inverted style
u
u u e
“U” for ulcerate
u e
x Before Hyperplasia x
After Hyperplasia x
x
abc abc abc
A B C
As the Ulcerate typeface expands, letters like A , B , and C retain certain defining features that help maintain their readability. Moving from Regular to Medium to Bold, their forms increase in weight and begin to distort, but subtle structural elements remain intact. Even in their heaviest state, these letters still offer visual cues that hint at their original forms.
xyz xyz xyz
X Y Z
In contrast, letters like X , Y , and Z gradually lose their identity as they move through the weight range. What begins as a clear and stable structure in Regular becomes increasingly unstable in Medium, and by the time they reach Bold, their forms collapse entirely. Key features disappear, angles blur, and the letters dissolve into abstract, unrecognizable shapes.
hyperplasia hyperplasia
hyperplas hyperpla hyperpla hyperpl hyperpl hyperplasi hyperplasi hyperplasia hyperplasia hyperplasia
37.PT
40.PT
43.PT
46.PT
ia a
49.PT
53.PT
ia
57.PT
sia asia
61.PT
66.PT
asia lasia lasia
71.PT
77.PT
82.PT
A X abcd efgh ijkl mnop qrst uvwx yz Ulcerate Regular E I M Q U Y B F J N R V Z C G K O S W D H L P T
A X abcd efgh ijkl mnop qrst uvwx yz Ulcerate Regular - invert E I M Q U Y B F J N R V Z C G K O S W D H L P T
A X abcd efgh ijkl mnop qrst uvwx yz Ulcerate Medium E I M Q U Y B F J N R V Z C G K O S W D H L P T
A X abcd efgh ijkl mnop qrst uvwx yz Ulcerate Medium - invert E I M Q U Y B F J N R V Z C G K O S W D H L P T
A X abcd efgh ijkl mnop qrst uvwx yz Ulcerate Bold E I M Q U Y B F J N R V Z C G K O S W D H L P T
A X abcd efgh ijkl mnop qrst uvwx yz Ulcerate Bold - invert E I M Q U Y B F J N R V Z C G K O S W D H L P T
g
g
g
g
g
g
B B
B B
B B
B B
a b c g h i
m n o p s t u v
c d e f i j k l
p q r v w x
Ulcerate does not stay still. It grows, adapts, and reshapes itself, just like the
cells it was born from.
The variable type in motion reveals how each character in Ulcerate carries its own identity, both typographically and biologically. To bridge the gap between anatomy and design, each letter begins with its standard form, like “A,” and through a process of visual adaptation, transforms into a renamed identity based on a specific stomach cell. For example, “A” becomes Acyra , a name inspired by amino acid sensitive cells. Each letter follows this path, linking the evolution of form to the language of biology. This transformation visualizes how typography, like cells, can adapt, shift, and eventually take on entirely new functions and meanings.
a A
Click here to see how “A” becomes Acyra
a a a
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Acyra
original
ah-SEER-uh
The name is inspired by amino-acid–sensitive cells, which regulate digestive signaling in the stomach.
adapted
b B
Click here to see how “B” becomes Bretin
b b b
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Bretin
original
BREH-tin
The name is based on Brunner’s glands, which secrete mucus to protect the upper digestive tract.
adapted
C C
Click here to see how “C” becomes Chella
C C C
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Chella
original
CHEL-uh
The name is derived from chief cells, which release pepsinogen, an enzyme precursor in digestion.
adapted
D D
Click here to see how “D” becomes Deltor
D D D
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Deltor
original
DEL-tor
The name comes from delta cells, which produce somatostatin to regulate acid secretion levels.
adapted
E E
Click here to see how “E” becomes Ecronis
E E E
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Ecronis
original
eh-KROH-niss
The name is inspired by enterochromaffin cells, which release serotonin into the gastric lining.
adapted
F F
Click here to see how “F” becomes Fovira
F F F
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Fovira
original
foh-VEER-uh
The name is derived from foveolar cells, which line the stomach and secrete protective mucus.
adapted
G G
Click here to see how “G” becomes Gastinex
G G G
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Gastinex
original
GAS-tih-neks
The name references G cells, which produce gastrin to stimulate stomach acid production.
adapted
H H
Click here to see how “H” becomes Histonel
H H H
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Histonel
original
HISS-tuh-nel
The name comes from ECL cells, which secrete histamine to activate parietal acid cells.
adapted
I I
Click here to see how “I” becomes Isleno
I I I
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Isleno
original
ISS-leh-noh
The name is loosely inspired by interstitial cells, which support tissue signaling and repair.
adapted
J J
Click here to see how “J” becomes Juvecin
J J J
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Juvecin
original
JOO-vuh-sin
The name suggests regenerative cell activity, tied to epithelial renewal in the stomach lining.
adapted
K K
Click here to see how “K” becomes Kalonex
K K K
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Kalonex
original
KAL-oh-neks
The name refers to potassium exchange, essential for activating acid secretion in parietal cells.
adapted
L L
Click here to see how “L” becomes Lumora
L L L
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Lumora
original
loo-MOHR-uh
The name is based on the lumen, the inner cavity of the stomach’s glandular structures.
adapted
M M
Click here to see how “M” becomes Mucira
M M M
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Mucira
original
myoo-SEER-uh
The name is drawn from the mucosa, which lines and protects the stomach’s inner surface.
adapted
N N
Click here to see how “N” becomes Neurexa
N N N
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Neurexa
original
noo-REK-suh
The name refers to neural pathways, which control movement and secretion in the stomach.
adapted
O O
Click here to see how “O” becomes Oxymera
O O O
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Oxymera
original
ox-EE-mehr-uh
The name is derived from oxyntic glands, which contain acid-producing parietal cells.
adapted
P P
Click here to see how “P” becomes Peptora
P P P
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Peptora
original
PEP-tor-uh
The name is inspired by pepsinogen, a protein released by chief cells to aid digestion.
adapted
Q Q
Click here to see how “Q” becomes Quastra
Q Q Q
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Quastra
original
KWAS-truh
The name is fictional but implies cellular balance, signaling, and fluid regulation.
adapted
R R
Click here to see how “R” becomes Rugena
R R R
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Rugena
original
ROO-jeh-nuh
The name is based on rugae, the folds in the stomach wall that expand during digestion.
adapted
S S
Click here to see how “S” becomes Stemira
S S S
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Stemira
original
STEH-meer-uh
The name refers to gastric stem cells, which regenerate and maintain the epithelial layer.
adapted
T T
Click here to see how “T” becomes Tunela
T T T
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Tunela
original
too-NEH-luh
The name is linked to the tunica mucosa, the innermost and functional stomach lining.
adapted
U U
Click here to see how “U” becomes Ulsera
U U U
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Ulcerate
original
UL-sir-ate
The name directly references ulceration, where the mucosal barrier breaks down and fails.
adapted
V V
Click here to see how “V” becomes Villora
V V V
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Villora
original
vil-OR-uh
The name is inspired by villus-like forms, found throughout the gastrointestinal surface.
adapted
W W
Click here to see how “W” becomes Westra
W W W
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Westra
original
WESS-truh
The name is fictional and suggests gastric waves, linked to motility and contraction.
adapted
X X
Click here to see how “X” becomes Xymogen
X X X
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Xymogen
original
ZYE-moh-jen
The name comes from zymogens, inactive enzymes stored in stomach cells before activation.
adapted
Y Y
Click here to see how “Y” becomes Yamina
Y Y Y
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Yamina
original
yah-MEE-nuh
The name is linked to amino acid–driven cells, which respond to dietary nutrient signals.
adapted
Z Z
Click here to see how “Z” becomes Zymela
Z Z Z
REGULAR
MEDIUM
BOLD
Zymela
original
ZYE-meh-luh
The name refers to zymogenic cells, which mature into enzyme- secreting digestive cells.
adapted
abc ghi mno stu y
def jkl pqr vwx z
abc ghi mno stu y
def jkl pqr vwx z
abc ghi mno stu y
def jkl pqr vwx z
Types '
Typography is often expected to hold its shape, to stay clear, to behave. But Ulcerate proves that type, like the body, can respond, overgrow, distort, and still communicate something powerful. Not in spite of its instability, but because of it.”
Usage
Ulcerate is an experimental variable display typeface shaped by biological disruption. It is designed for large-scale use, where its shifting weight, distortion, and transformation can be fully experienced. Rather than aiming for traditional readability, it invites interpretation. This typeface is meant to be seen, studied, and felt. It works best in contexts where typography carries meaning beyond the words themselves, including editorial design, exhibition graphics, research publications, and projects that explore the body, illness, cellular behavior, or personal narrative. Ulcerate is especially suited for science and art museum spaces, where it can be presented as a large-scale moving display or a looping video installation showing how each letter mimics cellular behavior. It can also be displayed as if seen through a microscope, connecting the act of reading to the process of scientific observation. Each letter behaves differently, expanding and deforming much like the cells that inspired them. Ulcerate bridges the space between biology and visual communication, offering a way to explore the relationship between form and function, language and transformation. The typeface can be used by design students, typographers, educators, researchers, and biologists who want to communicate or teach hyperplasia through accessible visual tools. It also invites artists and designers to use type not only for communication, but as a way to express process, disruption, and complexity.
Biology Becomes Typography
Biology Becomes Typo graphy
U LCERATE
This type specimen book traces Ulcerate, a typeface built on biological transformation. It turns cellular change into shifting, expanding, and reactive letterforms.
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