In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged among many younger designers: using font sizes as small as 14px, sometimes even smaller, especially on portfolio sites or design mockups. It’s all in the name of “minimalism,” but here’s the thing: tiny text isn’t clever — it’s exclusive. As someone who cares deeply about accessible web typography, I believe this trend is doing more harm than good. Good design should be readable by everyone — not just those with perfect vision or the latest screen.
I’ve been designing for over a decade, and I can tell you this with absolute certainty: I never use font sizes under 16px — and I never will. Here’s why that decision isn’t just a personal quirk — it’s a commitment to accessible web typography and inclusive design.
The Accessibility Problem
According to the World Health Organization, over 2.2 billion people globally live with some form of visual impairment. That’s not a niche audience — it’s a massive portion of humanity. And yet, much of the internet remains difficult or even impossible to read for many users because designers still prioritise visual trends over legibility.
Small fonts — especially anything under 16px — strain the eyes, reduce comprehension, and create unnecessary barriers. Accessible web typography means making sure everyone can comfortably read your content, whether they’re using a laptop in broad daylight or a smartphone on a bumpy bus ride.
Accessibility isn’t optional. It’s a responsibility.
Mobile-First ≠ Microscopic
Many designers have embraced “mobile-first” design — and that’s a good thing. But somewhere along the way, mobile-first has been misinterpreted to mean “cram everything in and make it tiny.” That’s not the point.
True mobile-first design means prioritising clarity. When your users are holding a screen in their hand, squinting at 14px text isn’t just annoying — it can be a deal-breaker. Responsive design should scale your typography appropriately, not shrink it into oblivion.
A core tenet of accessible web typography is scalable, legible type — not just on desktop, but especially on mobile.
Aesthetic ≠ Usable
Let’s talk about aesthetics. Yes, minimalist designs with low-contrast greys and delicate, tiny fonts can look elegant — in a vacuum. But web design doesn’t live in a vacuum. It lives in the real world, with real users who have real needs.
Design isn’t art. It’s communication. And when you design purely for other designers — rather than your end users — you risk creating work that excludes more than it includes.
Great typography doesn’t just look good. It works.
My Principles for Web Typography
After years of testing and refining my process, I’ve adopted several non-negotiable rules for type on the web — especially when accessibility is the goal:
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I never use a base font size smaller than 16px. More often, I use 18px or 20px for body text.
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I prioritise high contrast between text and background (no more light grey on white).
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I use typefaces designed for readability, not fashion. Fonts with strong x-heights, generous spacing, and clear letterforms.
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I set line heights around 1.5–1.7 for easier reading.
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I build a clear visual hierarchy so users always know what’s most important on the page.
This is how I practise accessible web typography in my web designs. It’s not flashy, but it works — for everyone.
Designing With Empathy
Typography is one of the most human parts of digital design. It’s how your voice comes through on the screen. And when your type is too small, too faint, or too cramped, you’re essentially saying: “This isn’t for you.”
That’s not the message I want my design to send.
Let’s move beyond design trends that age poorly. Let’s design with empathy. Let’s build websites that are beautiful and functional, trendy and inclusive. Let’s make accessible web typography the standard — not the exception.
Because when everyone can read your content, everyone can connect with your message.