As with any technology, trends in web designing have grown multitudes. Smartphones with more internet-based functions have become the game today which were once considered unthinkable. With mobile phone users increasing day-by-day, the quality of user experience has become an indispensable factor. People will never vote for websites that give them a hard time.
There are many avenues to enhancing user experiences like improving loading speed, better images, etc. One main aspect that has been overly underrated is how the text appears on your page. Technically, the typography. The concept of responsive typography comes in handy here that ensures optimal readability of your content on any device viewport. Here are 3 essential elements you need to know to get your typography right:
Typeface a.k.a Font
The choice of your font has a lot more impact on the user than visual and technological consequences. It tells the mood or tone you project. With umpteen number of web fonts to choose from, zeroing in on the right one is a challenge. Usually the choice falls between serif and sans serif. A serifed typeface has a bold touch while a sans serif feels modest. Apart from the age-old serifs that are just right for any business, growing fan-base is for handwritten fonts. They give a sense of human touch that go very well if your site wants to portray a more personal image. For most fonts if the body text size is above 12 pixels, they will work just well.
Size Matters
It is definitely not your personal preference alone. It depends on reading distance. The metric size for computer desktops and printed materials hugely varies. The same applies for mobile devices too. The further away you are from the text, the bigger it needs to be and vice versa. You constantly have to compensate based on the reading distance. Screen resolution has a say in this. The higher the screen resolution, the more obsolete the standard becomes. However, 16 or 17-pixel Georgia is the ideal size that better preserves readability and gives a comfortable reading experience.
Line height and contrast
When the reading distance is more the text becomes blurred, or technically, pixel smeared. Giving the screen text a little extra line height than printed text is a good approach. 140% is an ideal norm. Coming to contrast, screen typefaces were originally designed to be displayed black on white. In recent days high contrast screens are in trend, hence using either a dark grey for text or a light grey for the background enhances the overall appeal of your site.
So, here they are. Remember when coming to responsive design,finding a right balance with these elements is crucial. There are lots more than just perfecting them or following standards.
Talk to us and know more about choosing the right typography that makes a difference.
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