Understanding kerning: Why spacing matters in UI design

Kerning, the adjustment of space between individual letters, plays a crucial role in enhancing the readability, consistency, and aesthetic quality of typography, which directly impacts user experience in digital interfaces. By eliminating awkward gaps and ensuring balanced spacing, kerning improves text legibility and reduces cognitive load, allowing users to process information more efficiently. It is particularly important in UI design for elements like buttons, menus, and logos, contributing to a professional appearance and enhancing a brand's image. Proper kerning helps maintain visual harmony across different platforms and screen sizes, while tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, and Figma offer features to facilitate these adjustments. By prioritizing readability and visual appeal, kerning ensures a more polished and effective user interface, as demonstrated in case studies like Boots Online Doctor and Omio.