Designing an app interface requires understanding both design and user elements. Choosing the right font trends is as important as other design elements because the texts are one of the main parts. Understand the principles first, whether you use a new font trend or stick with a classic.
Choosing fonts is important for app design because they relate to function and aesthetics. The right font can improve user experience and satisfaction. Here is how:
Readability is the main concern regarding texts for the app interface. Your font must help readers to read, discern, and understand the texts easily. The readability factor is important to maintain a positive user experience and brand image. Fonts that support readability also reduce errors among users.
Be careful when choosing font trends! If you design an app, the font must reflect the brand identity. Ask yourself these questions: Who are the main users? What are their backgrounds? What image or message does the brand want to deliver? Choose the right font based on the answers.
Font choice is important for the app’s functionality. Designers must guide users to tap in the most logical direction when they use any function. You can distinguish between various functions and commands on an app interface by choosing different font sizes, forms, and colors.
Let’s look at existing apps to see how they use font trends in their interface designs.
Uber is an example of an app with a simple but striking design. It uses standard sans serif for better readability and shows perfect visual hierarchy. Distinctive font styles are used to signify different parts of the app.
Users can easily navigate the app quickly, thanks to the non-confusing font design and layout. This is an ideal design for an app that people may use quickly.
Duolingo combines a slightly playful sans serif font with a colorful background and simple layout. While the font is kept simple, the colorful backgrounds allow users to distinguish different sections in the app.
Duolingo’s font design also reflects its “fun learning” philosophy—a perfect font trend for a modern app to teach a new skill.
The Calm Meditation app has a unique way of combining standard and unique font styles. The developer keeps the standard font for various app functions. However, they use more variations in font designs for the content cover. This way, users can still use the app comfortably without getting distracted.
For example, you can see all the standard sans-serif designs the app uses for its menu. However, when you open the Sleep Stories section, you will see various cover art with a script or display typeface.
This distinction is more than just a visual trend. It attracts users’ eyes and creates a unique style for the app without sacrificing readability.
Spotify uses a fairly standard font design but has a slightly playful look to emphasize the modern theme. Spotify also uses colorful highlights and different sizes to create a clear visual hierarchy. Users can explore without feeling confused despite numerous menu items.
Now that you see the examples and principles of app design, here are several font trends you can use for your project.
Don’t be afraid to make your font stand out! This is a great way to make your website pop, especially if you want the app to catch the eyes. You can use neutral background colors for the background and let the font speak.
Jiftan is a great font for experimenting with colors. This display font has thick strokes and unique serifs. You can use it as a header display or app name to make it look appealing.
Unusual font trends are growing thanks to the new direction of creativity. Gone are the strict, formal directions; many designers now aim to create something artistic or playful as long as the texts are readable; there is nothing wrong with using unique fonts.
Spooky Zombie or Typologic are great unique fonts for fun, creative apps. They still offer good readability without losing their distinctive touch.
A bold and bright font makes your app more noticeable, especially if the app’s service is similar to many others. Fonts such as Retro Mango are fun, bold, easy to read, and will look distinctive on an app interface.
Adding extra dimension is an easy way to make a simple font more attractive. It can be something like a shadow or a 3D effect. Extra dimension adds a unique character to a typeface, contributing to the app interface design.
Some fonts come with shadow glyphs in their package. Gladiola, for example, is a display font with vintage, groovy look. It already has a unique look and bold strokes, but the shadow adds a character to your design.
Many font trends now incorporate other visual elements, such as the background colors. In this case, a highlighted background makes a seemingly common bold font more distinctive. Highlighted background is the perfect solution for an otherwise generic-looking font.
Like in the case of Duolingo, a highlighted background can help users navigate the sections. You can use colored backgrounds to highlight humanist fonts such as Cheria. A highlight would be its smooth, simple design with a nice flow.
Many modern apps keep a simple, no-nonsense font style because they consider functionality. Depending on the app type and user profile, you can use any typeface style. Aprils, for example, is a simple font, yet it is still unique thanks to its handwriting style.
Modern “vintage” font trends celebrate the longing for nostalgic years, especially in the digital era. Fonts like Early Quake and Sugar Peachy are modern but inspired by the groovy era. These fonts also have a good readability factor and would make any app pop.
Designing an app interface involves choosing the right fonts. These font trends and examples will help you create an attractive but functional app interface.
