Appearance on small screens.
WHAT TO PRIORITISE
Legibility Hierarchy Adequate spacing
WHAT SIZE TEXT TO USE
Large enough to read at arm's length, in sunlight.
WHY SUNLIGHT
Screens are used outdoors here routinely, and contrast that passes indoors may fail outside.
WHAT CONTRAST TO MEET
The accessibility standard, measured rather than judged.
WHAT COMMONLY FAILS
Light grey text Text over images Placeholder and hint text Disabled states
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Convey meaning by colour alone.
WHAT TO PAIR IT WITH
Text, an icon, or a shape.
WHAT TO RESPECT
The system font size setting.
WHAT TO TEST
The interface at the largest setting.
WHAT USUALLY BREAKS
Fixed-height containers, and single-line labels.
WHAT TO SUPPORT
Both light and dark appearances.
WHAT TO CHECK IN DARK MODE
Contrast, images, and shadows, none of which translate automatically.
WHAT TO USE
Platform components where possible, which handle much of this.
