Every typeface has a voice. Some whisper, some shout. Some speak with the authority of a legal document, others with the warmth of a handwritten note. As designers, we’re not just choosing fonts—we’re casting actors for the performance of our interface.
The Weight of Words
Weight isn’t just about bold versus light. It’s about emphasis and hierarchy. A heavy weight demands attention; a light weight invites the eye to linger. Consider:
- Headlines often need weight to anchor the page
- Body text benefits from lighter weights for extended reading
- UI elements require careful balance—too heavy and they compete with content
Spacing Speaks Too
Letter-spacing (tracking) and line-height (leading) are equally expressive:
- Tight tracking feels urgent, modern, compressed
- Loose tracking feels elegant, airy, luxurious
- Generous line-height creates breathing room for complex ideas
- Tight line-height increases information density
Finding Your Voice
Before choosing a typeface, ask: What is this interface trying to say? Is it a calm assistant or an energetic companion? A trusted advisor or a playful friend? The type should match the tone.
The best typography is invisible in the moment but unforgettable in the feeling it leaves behind.