Creating a perfect mobile app requires a lot of research, time, and commitment. From unique features and functionality to apt design, typography and user interface, there are a lot of things app developers need to consider to develop a great app. Developing a clear connection with users will only be possible when you clearly communicate the intent and purpose of the app. A good app helps users to fulfill their goals and make their lives simpler.
Font selection is an important step that can make or break the overall look of your mobile app design. Good typography is essential to make text readable and improve the user experience. Many mobile app designers look for the best practices for typography to improve mobile readability. Let’s discover some important rules for using typography in mobile apps.
Font Size
Okay, it is one of the most important factors to consider during the mobile app development process. Font size has a great impact on readability. It takes more effort and time to understand the smaller text compared to big fonts. The small size of screen, sun glare if used on the go, screen quality, and bright screen are a few limitations that app designers need to carefully consider when choosing typography for mobile apps.
Apple recommends mobile app designers to use the minimum size for body text 17pt, while Google recommends it should be 16sp. Keep in mind that the font size recommendation is for the default fonts Android and iOS platforms use – New York fonts for iOS and Roboto font for Android. For other typefaces, the font size may vary. Fonts with thin strokes should be used in larger sizes for body text.
Text that is too large or too small can make it difficult for users to comprehend the message. Finding the right balance between font size and line length is important to make your text readable. As per the WCAG 2.0 standards, the minimum font size is 18pt for body text. The goal is to use font size in your mobile app design that makes the body text readable and increase the user interface comprehensibility.
Color Contrast
Contrast ratio is the most important factor that every app designer should consider when designing a mobile app. Many designers think that too much contrast can cause eye fatigue, so, they use the shade of gray and white background. Designers use low contrast techniques to make the app interface look beautiful and harmonious.
However, in reality, a text color with a similar background is difficult to read. Make sure the text color you use has sufficient contrast. It is always a good idea to give users an option to choose from a light and dark background.
Choosing the right amount of contrast is a tough job for app designers. The variation between screen and colors contrast that look perfectly good on designers’ screen may appear entirely different on users’ screen. You can choose the color contrast ratio as set by the WC3’s guidelines. For smaller text, the contrast ratio is 7:1, while for larger text, the ratio is 3:1.
Stick to One Font throughout the App
Using a single font throughout a mobile app design is undoubtedly a sensible design approach that your mobile app development team should follow. Mixing different fonts in a single app will make it look unprofessional.
So, choose the one font to make your message readable and offer a consistent reading experience across multiple platforms. For Android platforms, Roboto and Noto fonts are some good font choices, while for iOS platforms, San Francisco is a good choice. The key is to choose a font that looks legible and works in multiple sizes and weights. Maintaining readability is critically important to make your app design look awesome. With the help of an experienced mobile app development Dubai team, you can optimize mobile typography and improve the overall graphic balance.
Focus on Headline Size
Using large, bold headings has become a trend these days. Choosing larger headings, especially in mobile apps requires extra attention. Using large text for headlines means stretched lines, which may look messy and affect its readability. It is advised to choose a heading size contrasting with the body text that can fit within 2-3 lines.
Line Length
When designing a mobile app, it is important to consider the optimal length of a line text to enhance the reading experience. Since there are no measuring standards for line length on mobile screens, using 30-40 characters per line is considered ideal.
White Space
Small screens have limited real estate. Adding a little space to text between lines and margins will make text readable. Using overabundance of white space can also have a bad impact on readability. The right amount of spacing is important to maintain the design hierarchy and give your letters room to breathe. The goal of spacing is to help users easily read text and interact with the words. For smaller fonts, you need to add extra space to increase line height and make text more readable.
Concluding Thoughts
Typography is the backbone of a mobile app design. Understanding some important rules of mobile typography can make your mobile app development project a huge success. Mobile app designers should be aware of all the design strategies and standards when making font selection for the mobile app. The right fonts can improve the UI, readability, usability and accessibility. It will help them design an aesthetically pleasing mobile app design that offers a great user experience.