---
title: "Typography as a decision, not decoration"
date: 2026-05-09
description: "A short note on why the choice of typeface and the rhythm of a text column changes more than it seems. With drop caps, definitions and examples from this blog."
tags: ["typography", "design", "meta"]
---

import Definition from '../../components/Definition.astro';

## Why the font matters

Typography is the first layer of interface the reader sees. Before
they even read a sentence, the eye has already judged the rhythm, the
weight, the character. If the typeface is "neutral" (Inter,
Helvetica, system), the text feels generic - regardless of what it
actually says.

On the other hand, a typeface that's *too* characterful starts to
compete with the content. It becomes mannered. It shouts.

## Three typefaces, three roles

This blog deliberately uses three typefaces:

1. **Fraunces** - a variable serif with a `SOFT` axis that lets you
   dial warmth into the letters. Display, body, drop caps, italics.
2. **IBM Plex Sans** - UI labels, small caps, navigation. Stays in
   the background, doesn't get in the content's way.
3. **IBM Plex Mono** - chapter numbering, metadata, "13 of 15."
   Tabular numerals. Mechanical, but not aggressive.

<Definition>
**Definition of optical sizing:** a technique where a typeface ships
different variants for different sizes - larger sizes have gentler
stroke contrasts, smaller ones are more heavily inked to preserve
legibility. Fraunces does this through the `opsz` axis.
</Definition>

## How it shapes reading

When you set `font-variation-settings: 'opsz' 144` on a title, the
letters automatically become more delicate, more *book-like*. When
you drop down to `'opsz' 14` on body text, the contrasts tighten and
the letter turns more "workmanlike." It's a difference most readers
won't notice consciously - but they'll feel it as eye strain after
twenty minutes of reading.

That's the point: good typography isn't there to impress. It's there
to disappear.