The Evolution of Justified Text in Web Design
Justified text, where text is aligned evenly along both the left and right margins, remains a debated topic in web design. While commonplace in print media, its digital application brings unique challenges.
Readability and User Experience
The primary concern with justified text online is readability. Web pages, unlike print, are viewed on various devices, leading to the potential uneven spacing between words, or ‘rivers of white’, disrupting the reading flow. However, CSS advancements have improved the readability of justified text, prompting a reevaluation of its use in web design.
Design Aesthetics and Brand Image
Justified text can create a clean, structured look, aligning with certain brand images, especially in professional or academic contexts. However, readability and user experience must be considered.
Technical Considerations
Web design tools like CSS3 offer better control over text alignment and hyphenation, making justified text more feasible while ensuring a good user experience. CSS techniques manage word spacing and hyphenation, addressing earlier limitations.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Justified text can be challenging for readers with dyslexia or reading difficulties. Uneven spacing can worsen these issues, making accessibility a key factor in deciding its use.
Best Practices and Examples
For justified text use, designers must consider the context. It may suit short text sections or specific aesthetic needs. Testing on different devices and browsers is crucial.
Effective Use Example: An online academic journal uses justified text to mirror the formal layout of print journals, enhancing the scholarly feel. With careful CSS adjustments, they maintained readability across devices.
Ineffective Use Example: A blog with lengthy articles once used justified text, leading to uneven word spacing on mobile devices. This disrupted the reading experience, particularly for users with reading difficulties, and was later changed to left-aligned text for better readability.
