FontFind App Design

Context & Problem

Designers often discover type on posters or prints, but existing tools to identify typefaces feel clunky and non‑native to iOS.
My strategy was to first lock in a solid structural foundation, then progressively align the interface with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines.

Key Design Decisions

1. Structural foundations (wireframing)

I started with low‑fidelity wireframes focused on ergonomics and information hierarchy.

• In the scanner, I prioritized thumb‑reachable controls and a clear focus area, so users always know what the camera is “looking at.”

• In the collection, I separated the mental models of “typefaces” and “scans,” making it obvious whether you’re browsing your actual fonts or the images you captured.

2. Embracing a “liquid glass” aesthetic

With the structure in place, I overhauled the interface to align with Apple’s modern “liquid glass” look.

• System lists and cells: I swapped custom list layouts for official Apple components in the Home and Collection views, instantly improving readability and perceived quality.

• Scanner clarity: The scanning interface gained clearer markers and highlighted regions, so users can see exactly which type areas are being detected in real time.

The result is an interface that feels familiar from the start while still reflecting the app’s typographic focus.

3. Radical refinement and HIG compliance

In the final iteration, I adopted a “less, but better” mindset and pushed the UI to full HIG compliance.

• I added a live preview in the scanner, giving immediate feedback on what the camera is capturing and reducing mis‑scans and uncertainty.

• The Collection gained Segmented Controls to switch between saved typefaces and raw scans, plus Search and Filter for power users, which drastically reduced cognitive load when collections grow large.

  
  

Outcome

The app is a cohesive, platform‑native utility. Its clear what’s being scanned, where fonts are stored, and how to compare them, while the interface itself fades into the background.

For designers, Font Find now feels less like a standalone tool and more like an extension of iOS: easy to use in fast, real‑world moments.

Reflection & Learnings

• Designing inside a strict design system is not a creative constraint but a multiplier for user trust and speed.

• Native components and familiar patterns reduce onboarding time and free cognitive space for the actual task—discovering and combining type.

• Clear separation between “capture”, “collection”, and “combinations” gives the app a stronger mental model.