The internet has come a long way from the bizarre color schemes and intrusive flash ads of the late 90s. While a large portion of the web might still be playing catch up stylistically, the internet is generally trending towards simple designs, softer colors and a content-focused system that makes it easier for people to enjoy the aspects of a site that they’re actually there to see.
This has some significant implications for all aspects of front-end web design, but particularly for the way we present the text on our pages.
Despite the significant impact that images and video have on a site and despite the average internet user’s short attention span, the web is still run by text and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. Text-based content, particularly in the blogging arena is still the most useful and relevant way to provide information on the internet.
Today’s most successful websites have gotten to be popular, primarily because of the text-based content they provide.
While images and videos have their place, they’re not replacing the written word.
In consideration we should be carefully assessing how the current web trends are impacting the kind of text we use and the style in which we present it.
Here are the primary things to keep in mind:
1. Minimalism
If you could describe current web design trends in one word, this would be the word to use. Modern design demands a minimalist approach with a lot of soft colors (more on that later) and a lot of open space. Navigation needs to be easy and helping people find what they’re looking for should be top priority.
Implications
This means that text should likewise be minimal. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean small, but it does mean you should choose a solid, straightforward font – possibly from Google fonts, that’s easy to read and easy on the eyes.
2. Soft Colors and Contrast
To achieve a minimal design the color schemes have settled down dramatically in recent years. Lots of white and softer dark shades are usually the way to go. This makes for easier navigation and better readability.
Implications
At a basic level, text should always be black, unless you want to mix it up for bolded or heading text. Even then, stick with the more conservative choices.
At the same time, it can help to soften the look of your text by going with a lighter shade of black or charcoal gray.
3. The Focus of Text-Based Content
Websites as a whole are becoming more focused on properly displaying their content and making that content the centerpiece of their site. With the internet being a primarily text-driven system, this should have a say in the entire design of your site, particularly as it relates to where you direct the eyes of your readers.
Implications
Any block or div that houses text on your page (particularly the main body of content) should be the primary focal point and should be housed in subtle borders and almost always a white background. In some cases, it’s ok to use a subtle off-white background, but usually not for the main body of content or the “reading pane.”
4. Short Paragraphs
In order to deal with the short attention spans of the typical internet user, text is more often being presented in short one to three sentence paragraphs. This is more a writing style issue than a design issue, but it does have some implications for design, particularly as it relates to spacing and the margins between paragraphs.
Implications
It’s ok to just use one space between paragraphs since they’ll occur more often in this scenario. It’s also good to use bold and italics to highlight certain paragraphs or sentences that you might want to bring to the attention of the reader.
5. Larger Fonts
While this isn’t a universal ideal, a lot of websites are moving to a larger font to increase readability and make their page pop a little more. One of the better examples of this would be Copyblogger as they use a larger font for both their title and body text.
Implications
Larger fonts aren’t a must for your page but they are a more recent design trend that’s worth considering. Try a few different sizes and see if it works with your scheme and overall design. Larger fonts can work, but you’ve got to make sure it doesn’t clash with the rest of your page.
Keeping Text Trendy
If you’re mindful of these trends than the text on your page can and should follow suit. Remember that if there’s any doubt, a simpler more minimalist solution is the better option and is going to be an easier read for those on your site.
Image by: Thomas Heylen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/heylen/4310529876/)
You can’t go wrong with keeping it simple.
Kelvin Jenkins is a professional blogger that shares his advice on online marketing and SEO. He writes for HigherVisibility.com Reviews, a leading search engine optimization firm.
