Design trends come and go in digital era, and it includes font trends. The rapid trends of specific typography styles can be a bit overwhelming for designers to follow. How can you navigate this trend without losing identity through the font options?
To navigate the trend, we must recognize the characteristics of trends and customers in the digital era. As digital trend and the use of apps, social media, and high-tech device increase, they actively affect font trends.
In general, you can expect to see these font trends making round every year:
Dynamic typography is a necessity for those who use multiple devices in daily life. Font needs to be versatile, able to adjust when read on various screen sizes. The fonts need to stay clear, readable, and comfortable to read regardless of the devices.
Inclusivity is an issue that will become more prominent in various fields, even with rapid trends in font. Inclusive typography embraces everyone, including those with low vision, color blindness, and cognitive or learning disabilities.
For example, your typeface would be more legible with taller x-height or open style. Also, inclusive fonts tend to have fewer or no ligatures.
Combining the tradition of serif with modern, clean sans serif is a trend that would last long. “Clean” sans serif is easy to read and ideal for professional setting, but has little personality. Classic serif element helps making the sans serif look warmer, more personal.
This trend is not just seen in font pairing, but also font design. Combining the warm and clean elements of serif and sans serif create a dynamic, yet professional font. Despite the rapid trends of typeface, this type of font is still favorite among many users.
To navigate the rapid trends of fonts, designers must always ask: who would use this font, and who this font is aimed to?
A font can represent a brand identity, value, and characteristics of the users or customers. Certain fonts may look clean, sleek, and professional, while others embrace creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. You must understand the client’s needs, values, and goals to better create custom design.
Font trends are great tools to get inspiration, but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by them. Use these trends as references to make conscious decision about your font design. Understanding the current trend helps you in creating a font without being dragged by every trend.
Finally, amid the rapid trends of font design, you still need to consider mobile apps and platforms. With various mobile products and devices emerging, font designs can vary. However, there are principles font designers must follow to keep the font readable and legible for mobile uses.
Here are some considerations to help you compromise font design with mobile technology:
Consider the use of font for headlines or titles, such as for a blog or news app. The font size must properly fit a headline that consists of maximum two to three lines. Otherwise, the headline would look clunky and hard to read.
When making a font for mobile devices, make sure the 16 to 17pt size is readable. This is because 16 to 17pt is the recommended font size for a mobile text.
Designing “the right font” requires compatibility between the font and the mobile technology. For example, a news app requires different type of font from an art gallery or youth-centered branding app.
Despite the moving trends in the digital era, designers must always discuss with the clients to find the best fonts that speak for them.
Custom typeface is one of the solutions to navigate rapid font trends and find your ideal design. When collaborating with a font designer, you can communicate your vision, brand, and other information. Designers will use them to create a font that fits your need, not just about following trends.
Zarma Type offers custom font design for commercial branding, personal project, and artistic expression. You can express your brand and vision with personalized font design. Express your value and philosophy amid the rapid trends of fonts by ordering a custom font from Zarma.