Since its beginnings, web typography has evolved massively, but responsive design still presents web designers with new challenges. Responsive web design is a commonly used web design technique whereby the display of a website’s image details are compatible with all devices and optimized for the size of the respective screen. A website’s content must be adaptable to different screen sizes for optimal display on all devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. This has a direct impact on font size, which should be smoothly integrated into the overall composition. The typeface should therefore be adaptable to all screen sizes. Here are some more factors that should be considered when using responsive typography:
- The font size should not only fit the display size, but also coordinate with the average distance between the viewer and the display. For example, users are normally closer to a smartphone screen than to that of a desktop computer.
- Font size also depends on screen resolution.
- The line spacing should always be adapted to the screen window, and should be considered in relation to line length for optimum readability.
- It is also necessary to incorporate adequate space for the typography in the page format in order to create a smooth and effortless reading experience.
In addition, texts should appear slightly brighter and the contrast should be somewhat stronger on small screens than on a PC monitor. Unlike large displays, people use more compact screens not only indoors but also on the go, so the quality should not be impaired by lighting conditions. It is crucial that text remains legible not only on small displays, but also in strong and dim lighting, or with reflections on the screen, and a strong font will do this.