Typography is very important for making user interfaces easy to use for people who have trouble seeing. But there are a few common mistakes that can make things harder for them.
Poor Contrast: If the text doesn’t stand out against the background, it can be super hard to read. It's best to have a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for regular text to make it easier to see.
Small Font Sizes: Text that is too tiny can be tough for people with low vision. A good rule is to use a minimum font size of 14px, but bigger sizes are even better whenever you can.
Overly Decorative Fonts: Fancy or curly fonts can make it hard to read. It’s better to use simple, easy-to-read fonts, like sans-serif fonts, especially for those who might have visual problems.
Inconsistent Typography: Changing fonts or styles too often can confuse users. Keeping typography consistent helps visually impaired users understand the layout better, making it easier to find their way around.
Lack of Hierarchy: If there’s no clear layout with headings and subheadings, users might get confused about what’s important. Clear headings and body text help organize information logically.
Ignoring Line Spacing: Not having enough space between lines can make the text feel squished together and tough to read. Good line height (at least 1.5 times bigger than the font size) makes reading smoother.
Text on Busy Backgrounds: Putting text over complicated images or patterns can make it hard to read. Using plain backgrounds for text makes it easier to see.
No Alt Text for Text in Images: If there’s text in an image, it should come with descriptive alt text. Without this, screen readers can’t share important information.
Failure to Test: Not testing how the typography works with actual visually impaired users can create problems. Getting feedback from users is really important for making designs that everyone can use.
By fixing these common mistakes, we can make the interface better for everyone, especially those with visual impairments.
Typography is very important for making user interfaces easy to use for people who have trouble seeing. But there are a few common mistakes that can make things harder for them.
Poor Contrast: If the text doesn’t stand out against the background, it can be super hard to read. It's best to have a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for regular text to make it easier to see.
Small Font Sizes: Text that is too tiny can be tough for people with low vision. A good rule is to use a minimum font size of 14px, but bigger sizes are even better whenever you can.
Overly Decorative Fonts: Fancy or curly fonts can make it hard to read. It’s better to use simple, easy-to-read fonts, like sans-serif fonts, especially for those who might have visual problems.
Inconsistent Typography: Changing fonts or styles too often can confuse users. Keeping typography consistent helps visually impaired users understand the layout better, making it easier to find their way around.
Lack of Hierarchy: If there’s no clear layout with headings and subheadings, users might get confused about what’s important. Clear headings and body text help organize information logically.
Ignoring Line Spacing: Not having enough space between lines can make the text feel squished together and tough to read. Good line height (at least 1.5 times bigger than the font size) makes reading smoother.
Text on Busy Backgrounds: Putting text over complicated images or patterns can make it hard to read. Using plain backgrounds for text makes it easier to see.
No Alt Text for Text in Images: If there’s text in an image, it should come with descriptive alt text. Without this, screen readers can’t share important information.
Failure to Test: Not testing how the typography works with actual visually impaired users can create problems. Getting feedback from users is really important for making designs that everyone can use.
By fixing these common mistakes, we can make the interface better for everyone, especially those with visual impairments.