Testing Font Scaling For Accessibility With Figma Variables

Accessibility is often viewed as an additional step in the design process, a box to be checked before a product can be deemed complete. However, this approach can lead to accessibility being treated as an afterthought, rather than an integral part of the design workflow. The key to successful accessibility is to make it a seamless part of the design process, so that it becomes second nature to designers. This is where Figma variables come in, allowing designers to test font size increases and other accessibility features in a way that feels natural and intuitive.

The Importance of Font Scaling

Font scaling is a critical aspect of accessibility, as it allows users to adjust the size of text to a level that is comfortable for them to read. This is especially important for users with visual impairments, as well as those who may be using devices with smaller screens. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend that text be able to be resized up to 200% without losing its readability or requiring users to scroll horizontally.

Manual Testing Methods

In the past, testing font size increases required manual effort and multiple iterations. Designers would have to create multiple versions of a design, each with a different font size, and then test each one to see how it affected the overall layout. This process was time-consuming and prone to errors, making it easy to overlook accessibility in favor of other design considerations.

Introduction to Figma Variables

Figma variables are a game-changer for designers, allowing them to create and manage multiple design variations with ease. By defining a set of variables, such as font size, color, and spacing, designers can create a single design that can be adapted to different contexts and users. This makes it easy to test font size increases and other accessibility features, without having to create multiple separate designs.

Using Figma Variables for Font Scaling

To use Figma variables for font scaling, designers start by defining a set of font sizes as variables. These variables can then be used throughout the design, allowing designers to easily switch between different font sizes and see how they affect the layout. Figma also allows designers to create multiple instances of a design, each with a different set of variable values, making it easy to test and compare different font sizes.

Creating a Font Size Variable

To create a font size variable in Figma, designers can follow these steps:

• Open the Figma design file and select the text layer that you want to create a variable for.
• Go to the “Style” tab in the right-hand sidebar and click on the “Create variable” button.
• Choose “Font size” as the variable type and give the variable a name, such as “font-size-header” or “font-size-body”.
• Set the default value for the variable, such as 16px or 18px.

Using the Font Size Variable

Once the font size variable has been created, designers can use it throughout the design by selecting the text layer and choosing the variable from the “Style” tab. Figma will then update the font size to the value defined in the variable, allowing designers to easily switch between different font sizes and test their impact on the layout.

Benefits of Using Figma Variables for Font Scaling

Using Figma variables for font scaling offers a number of benefits, including:

• Increased efficiency: With Figma variables, designers can test font size increases and other accessibility features quickly and easily, without having to create multiple separate designs.
• Improved accuracy: By defining font sizes as variables, designers can ensure that the same font sizes are used throughout the design, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
• Enhanced collaboration: Figma variables make it easy for teams to collaborate on design projects, as all designers can work from the same set of defined variables and see how changes affect the overall design.
• Better accessibility: By making it easy to test font size increases and other accessibility features, Figma variables help designers to create more accessible designs that can be used by a wider range of users.

Best Practices for Using Figma Variables

To get the most out of Figma variables, designers should follow these best practices:

• Define a clear set of variables: Before starting a design project, define a clear set of variables that will be used throughout the design. This includes font sizes, colors, and spacing.
• Use meaningful variable names: Use meaningful and descriptive names for variables, such as “font-size-header” or “color-primary”. This makes it easy to understand the purpose of each variable and how it is being used in the design.
• Keep variables organized: Use Figma’s built-in features, such as the “Variables” tab, to keep variables organized and easy to access.
• Test and iterate: Use Figma variables to test and iterate on design concepts, and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the design is accessible and effective.

Conclusion

Testing font size increases is an important part of creating accessible designs, and Figma variables make it easy to do so. By defining font sizes as variables and using them throughout the design, designers can quickly and easily test different font sizes and see how they affect the overall layout. This helps to ensure that designs are accessible and usable for a wide range of users, and makes it easier for teams to collaborate and work together on design projects. By incorporating Figma variables into their design workflow, designers can make accessibility a natural and integral part of the design process, rather than an afterthought.