Web Typography and You
Web Typography and You
Written by craig coffman
Danger Graphics just posted a link to an article on typography I have in my bookmarks, but had not read in over a year. I adore type, and think it is a widely misunderstood and often abused element of design. Type has the ability to create drama in a layout. Good type will convey tension, ease of reading, and style. Bad type will just be words, hopefully legible, on a page. To forsake the importance of type, especially on the web, is a mistake that really no one should make.
If you do print design and do not know typography rules, concepts, and reasons you either need to study more (much, much more) or get out. Sorry, but it really is that important. Design is so much more than the latest Photoshop trick. The message, usually delivered in type although sometimes via image, is key to your piece. Even if it is not selling something. The message needs to be conveyed. In web, I would say this is even more important.
People do not like to read online. It is hard on the eyes. Often times it involves mouse coordination, too. You cannot simply hold your monitor and scan the page, then flip through at your own speed. You are limited by connection, monitor size, and browser settings. What is the solution? Web pages styled with .css.
You can play with fonts. You can play with leading. You can play with kerning. You can play with weight and size. There is no reason that you cannot make your pages easier on the eye. The fact that you do not just shows you are a lazy designer, or still so new these ideas are not yet at your finger tips, but they ought to be and quick. Making these additions to your page will do wonders for your readers, and make you appear more Web savvy. The more important effect is lighter pages with higher readability. This equals Web euphoria.
While this article does not go into extreme depth, it certainly does point out things to consider. The ideas are well explained in small, easy to understand bits (perfect for the web) and provide seeds with which you can scour the web and grow your knowledge. I think that everyone designing for the Web, especially, should take the five minutes or so to read this article on Mark Boulton's site. Most of it you might know, but some of it might make you think 'Oh yeah. I forgot that bit.'