Choosing the Right Fonts in Figma
Key Concepts
- Typography Basics
- Font Pairing
- Hierarchy and Readability
- Font Styles and Weights
- Accessibility Considerations
1. Typography Basics
Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. In Figma, choosing the right fonts involves understanding the basic principles of typography, such as font families, serif vs. sans-serif, and the role of font size and line height.
Example: For a mobile app focused on health and wellness, a sans-serif font like Helvetica or Arial might be chosen for its clean and modern look, which aligns with the app's purpose of providing clear and straightforward information.
2. Font Pairing
Font pairing involves selecting two or more fonts that complement each other to create a harmonious design. This can enhance the visual appeal and readability of your mobile app. Common strategies for font pairing include combining a serif font with a sans-serif font or using fonts from the same family with different weights.
Example: A travel app might use a serif font like Georgia for headings to convey a sense of elegance and history, paired with a sans-serif font like Open Sans for body text to ensure readability and a modern feel.
3. Hierarchy and Readability
Hierarchy in typography refers to the organization of text elements to create a clear and logical structure. This helps users quickly identify the most important information. Readability is about ensuring that text is easy to read, which involves factors like font size, line spacing, and contrast.
Example: In a mobile app for a financial service, using a larger font size and bold weight for headings like "Account Balance" and "Recent Transactions" creates a clear hierarchy, while maintaining a comfortable line height and high contrast for readability.
4. Font Styles and Weights
Font styles and weights refer to variations within a font family, such as regular, italic, bold, and light. These variations can be used to emphasize different parts of the text and create visual interest. Choosing the right styles and weights is crucial for maintaining consistency and clarity in your design.
Example: A fitness app might use a bold weight for action buttons like "Start Workout" to make them stand out, while using a regular weight for descriptive text to keep it legible and unobtrusive.
5. Accessibility Considerations
Accessibility in typography involves ensuring that your font choices are inclusive and can be easily read by users with visual impairments. This includes using sufficient contrast between text and background, choosing fonts that are easy to read, and providing options for users to adjust font sizes.
Example: A mobile app for a bookstore might use a high-contrast color scheme with dark text on a light background to ensure readability, and include an option for users to increase the font size if needed.
Examples and Analogies
Typography Basics: Think of typography as the clothing you wear. Just as you choose clothes that suit the occasion and your personality, you choose fonts that align with the purpose and style of your mobile app.
Font Pairing: Imagine font pairing as a musical duet. Two harmonious voices create a pleasant sound, just as two complementary fonts create a visually appealing design.
Hierarchy and Readability: Consider hierarchy and readability like the layout of a book. Headings and subheadings guide the reader through the content, while the text itself must be easy to read, much like how a well-organized book is both engaging and legible.
Font Styles and Weights: Think of font styles and weights as different instruments in an orchestra. Each plays a unique role, contributing to the overall harmony and impact of the performance.
Accessibility Considerations: Think of accessibility as designing a building with ramps and elevators. Just as these features make a building inclusive for all, accessible typography ensures that your mobile app is usable by everyone.