A structured typography system ensures that text remains legible, scalable, and consistent across different devices and screen sizes. It defines rules for font sizes, weights, line heights, and spacing, ensuring a harmonious visual experience throughout the interface.
This section provides guidelines for implementing a structured, accessible, and visually balanced typography system.
Key Elements of a Typography System
A well-structured typography system consists of several key elements that work together to create a consistent reading experience.
Font Families: Choose a primary and, if necessary, a secondary typeface that aligns with the brand’s identity.
Font Sizes & Hierarchy: Establish clear size distinctions between headings, body text, and captions to guide readability.
Line Height & Spacing: Ensure adequate line spacing (leading) for readability, preventing text from feeling too cramped or too loose.
Weight & Emphasis: Use bold and light variations strategically to highlight important content while maintaining balance.
Scalability & Responsiveness: Typography should adapt fluidly to different screen sizes and accessibility settings.
By defining and maintaining consistent typography rules, you improve both usability and visual clarity, ensuring that users can read and engage with content effortlessly.
Accessibility Considerations
Font Size Standards
Font Size Standards |
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Minimum text size: 14px meets WCAG guidelines for readability |
Body text: 16px provides comfortable reading for most users |
Touch targets: Button and interactive text uses appropriate sizing |
Line Height Guidelines
Line Height Guidelines |
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Adequate spacing: All line heights provide sufficient space for readability |
Dyslexia-friendly: Higher line heights improve readability for users with dyslexia |
Optimal ratio*: Line heights follow established typography best practices |
Color Contrast
Typography tokens work with the design system's color tokens to ensure
Color Contrast |
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WCAG AA compliance: All text meets 4.5:1 contrast requirements |
Consistent contrast: Color tokens automatically maintain proper contrast ratios |
Dark mode support: All typography maintains readability across themes |
Responsive Considerations
While typography tokens use fixed sizes, they're designed to work across devices
Color Contrast |
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Mobile optimization: All sizes remain readable on small screens |
Touch-friendly: Interactive text meets minimum touch target sizes |
Scalable design: Token relationships maintain hierarchy at all screen sizes |
Content Hierarchy Examples
Typical Page Structure
Component Hierarchy
This typography token system provides a solid foundation for consistent, readable, and hierarchical text across your entire design system while maintaining flexibility for various content and interface needs.