Proposal
update the font-stack for Wikimedia Style Guide which gives preference to system typeface
Apple and Google both have better typeface alternatives available. [1][2]
They have better readability on screens and they have better language support.
This will deliver better native experience for readers. [3]
Proposed stack (see discussion for other links/suggestions)
font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Oxygen-Sans", Ubuntu, Cantarell, Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
This is the semantic order of things -
User device system preferred > Wikimedia Design preferred (Lato) > Helvetica > Arial > Generic
[1] https://developer.apple.com/fonts/
[2] a https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Roboto
[2] b https://material.io/guidelines/style/typography.html
Developer note
There's a known bug for Internet Explorer/Edge with this stack when used in font shorthand.
Can be circumvented when used only with font-family.
| Before | After (both on MacOS 10.13.4, Chrome 65.0.3325.181) |
|---|---|
 |  |