July 17, 2015
When it comes to creating great web design, typography should always be considered carefully. It helps to create an experience even before users read a word or click a button, establishes a style of communication, and sets flow and rhythm.
Good web typography is not just about choosing a font. A balance has to be achieved between the verbal and visual aspect of the composition. We need users to be engaged and convince them to stay with us. Just pouring words on a page does not make good communication, we have to ensure we make the reading experience effortless.
Choosing the right typeface for your website and how it’s formatted is a very important task, so what is there to consider? Here are the fundamentals:
The perfect typeface
It’s important to know the goals and audience of the website before you start your typography hunt. Is your goal for the site to position your company as solid, professional and reliable? The right type can make all the difference and in this case choosing a playful, cartoony type like Comic Sans would not wise. Match the mood and shapes of the typeface to the project. Also, it’s very important to choose a typeface that keeps your text both legible and readable.
Variety
Variety is good, but don’t go overboard. Your website shouldn’t be a display of your favorite typefaces. Make sure to always choose a font family with at least three variants regular, italic and bold.
Contrast
Make sure the text contrasts enough so that it’s easy to read. Light colors on white backgrounds are not a good idea. Also, avoid long stretches of reversed out text (light text on a dark background), it might have a good contrast but it’s very tiring to read.
Size
Font size matters. Don’t use text below 10 or 12px and bigger if possible. Legibility is important and the last thing you want to do is force users to get out their glasses.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy and scale have been used for centuries now and if set properly will appear more pleasing and legible to the eye. Making sure you’re using headings and having different type sizes are some of the best ways to differentiate content. Color and style are also helpful to make the message loud and clear.
Space
Make sure to optimize the character and line spacing so words don’t look cramped and crowded. Don’t be afraid of leave blank space on the page. This void space will create visual pauses that help focus attention on the content.
Interested in learning more about typography and maybe becoming a typography geek? I love Typography and Typographica are the places to go. To get inspired visit Typewolf and Font in Use or if you think you know it all then prove it with this Font Game.