I am working with some great guys at a company called Forest for the Trees on an update of their current web site. They wanted to maintain their color scheme and not stray too far from their logo, as it was already in print several places. We are still in the process of tweaking the layout, but along the way we have run into a question and thought it would be helpful to get a group opinion.
The question is, how much does font choice really matter? Is it just a personal preference thing, or does it make a difference in who you choose to do business with? Common design wisdom says that font choice makes a big difference in a company’s brand, but how much difference does it really make?
Pretend you’re a customer who needs help with what Forest for the Trees excels at: building a content strategy for your web presence that matches business goals and then presenting that content through mixed media. Here are two versions of the web site with two different font styles:
Version 1 – Rounded | Version 2 – Non-Rounded
Which appeals to you more? Which would you rather do business with? Why? Does the different font style give you a different impression of the company or is it arbitrary?
Try not to look at the other comments before you leave your own as we’re looking for your initial reaction, uninfluenced by others’ opinions. Looking forward to your comments!
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This was a tough one. To me I didn’t think it made a difference.
But if I had to make a choice I’d probably go with the rounded one. Making the comparison I found I liked the rounded letters instead of the sharp edged fonts. It looked more relaxed to me for some reason.
I don’t think it matters because the overall look of the site is so strong. btw I love your header on this page.
I like both, but lean towards the rounded. I also love your header !!
Fonts are not simply aesthetically different. Each font carries a set of meanings and associations with it, which can be used to reinforce the message of the page.
All websites should use typefaces that are practical, easy to read and simple. No one wants to read some impact or space typeface on a professional page. One of the most popular typefaces in web design right now is Arial. Why? Arial is a sans-serif typeface that’s easy to read, has great proportions, and looks great when used with proper vertical spacing.
On the Web, sans-serif typefaces are usually more appropriate for body text. It is easier to read than serif text on the Web. This is because the shape of letters with serifs is more complicated and cannot be accurately reproduced at the limited screen resolution.
I can’t believe how many people think it made a difference. I must have no style whatsoever.
I really don’t care about fonts; if you can read it then it’s fine. But some other designing things are useful
Hmm.. maybe it’s true that some people are not affected whatsoever by fonts typography and such. Is it because they are auditorial/kinestetic instead of visual?
I love all things rounded, so I’d have to go with the rounded font. It just looks friendlier.
I vote for the rounded one, the round corners and arial font reflect simplicity. I wish I could do design like you.
To me, both are the same. Both were professional, etc… I would not be more or less willing to do business based on either design.
I think that fonts make a lot of difference in text. Not only do they change
the readability of text but they can make design look much more proffesional. There are plenty of logos that base their designs strictly on text along, its interesting how simplistic famous designs truly are.
Sometimes less is more, and fonts can follow that rule as well.
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I like the rounded font because it goes with the flow of the site.
I could definately use some pointers on my site:
http://www.torrentspam.com
I think that they both look really good. However, the rounded font is my personal favorite!
I like the 2nd one. It’s much sharper and cleaner looking.
Definitely the round one. Because it looks more Web 2.0 style.
FONTS are massively important… for a logo and artwork they give users the feel of what the company is about…
For content however you have to make sure to keep fonts simple and use one that will be easy to read and won’t hurt the eyes… taking that into consideration always remember to never use CAPS IN A FULL PARAGRAPH!!! because it is insanely difficult to read…
love the blog, keep up the great work!
I think that the font choice while important will not deter visitors from taking action if the product or service being offered is good. However I think that the rounded version lends itself to the style that most Web 2.0 companies use and may give the impression that the site may be some type of web based application when it may not be. I think while the content and overall layout of the design is the same in both the squared off version makes me think of it more as a non-Web 2.0 site. Just my initial reaction.
I believe fonts can make a huge difference on a website. Some giant corporations own their success to using a specific font. But the site’s content is far more important than it’s design.