Twitter Redesign: New Look for Website & App

Twitter Unveils Website Redesign for Enhanced Accessibility and Clarity

Twitter has launched a significantly updated version of its website, focused on improving accessibility and user experience. The redesign aims to reduce clutter and streamline navigation for all users.

Key Changes Across Platforms

These updates are being implemented not only on the web but also across iOS and Android platforms. A central element of the refresh is the introduction of Twitter’s proprietary font, Chirp, alongside enhancements to contrast levels throughout the interface.

Further visual adjustments, including new color palettes, are scheduled for release in the near future.

Introducing Chirp: Twitter’s New Typeface

Chirp was initially presented in January as Twitter’s first custom-designed typeface. Previously, the platform relied on established fonts such as SF Pro, Roboto, and Helvetica Neue for its branding.

The development of Chirp prioritized both readability for daily use and the capacity to convey a distinct brand personality, particularly in dynamic contexts like animations or advertising.

While initially unveiled, full integration of Chirp across all Twitter products wasn’t immediately confirmed. However, Derrit DeRouen, Twitter’s global brand creative director, expressed a strong desire to see it become the standard typeface.

Enhanced Readability and Visual Hierarchy

The new website features left-aligned text for all Western languages, a change intended to improve readability during scrolling. Text in non-Western languages remains unchanged.

Color schemes on Twitter.com have been revised to increase contrast, and buttons have been updated for greater prominence. Notably, the prevalence of Twitter’s signature blue color has been reduced.

For instance, tweets and navigation elements now appear in black against a white background when using the default theme. These button modifications are designed to draw attention to key actions, according to Twitter.

Preparing for Future Features

Although seemingly minor, these adjustments are anticipated to become increasingly important as Twitter introduces expanded features like Super Follow and e-commerce capabilities. They provide a means to emphasize specific user actions.

The redesign also addresses visual clutter by removing unnecessary divider lines and increasing whitespace to improve text legibility.

A Platform Evolution

These changes position Twitter to accommodate a broader range of online experiences beyond simple text-based posts. The platform is actively working to attract more creators with Super Follow and integrate e-commerce features.

Additionally, Twitter is introducing a subscription service for power users, live audio functionality with Spaces, and redesigned bookmark collections.

However, the addition of numerous features could potentially create a more complex user experience, especially for new users. The current redesign proactively addresses this concern.

Ongoing Visual Updates

Twitter has indicated that today’s changes represent only the initial phase of ongoing visual updates. While specific future modifications remain undisclosed, the company plans to release additional color palettes “soon.”

These upcoming palettes will be closely aligned with Twitter’s refreshed brand identity.

Updated 8/11/21, 4:30 PM ET to clarify changes extend to mobile and better explain plans for color palettes.