Design2026 · 05 · 5 min read
A type scale removes a hundred decisions
Set the scale first and most layout questions answer themselves.
The fastest way to make an interface feel authored is to stop guessing font sizes. Pick a scale, commit to it, and let it carry the hierarchy.
One ratio, a handful of steps
I usually start from a body size and a ratio, then round to values that feel right on screen. Five or six steps is plenty for a whole product.
type scale specimen
Whitespace is a step too
Spacing should scale on the same logic as type. A shared rhythm is what makes unrelated screens feel related.
Colour stays boring on purpose
A tight palette lets type and layout do the talking. This whole site runs on four values:
Ink#111111
Paper#FFFFFF
Red#E9352D
Deep red#C3002F
Constraints don't limit a design — they're what make it feel intentional.