Typography and readability: 5 golden rules to follow

While it is true that the use of interesting fonts may be a delightful activity for most of the graphic designers, one needs to remember that a thin line exists between a fun typographic character and something that is unreadable and undesirable.

Nothing can be worse than the scenario where one has completed a project and then realizes that all the efforts have gone in vain. Follow the below listed rules and ensure that your typography meets the accepted levels.

1.) Do not fall into the all caps impulse :

In most scenarios when one is dealing with some design, it usually happens that one forgoes the essential grammar rules and tends to write in capital letters. One perceives that this trick will work and the content will be more readable and attractive. However, you will be surprised to know that truth is exactly opposite in this case. The mind has been trained in such a manner that is adapted to perceiving the letters in its usual shape and size. The brain is pattern oriented and any out of the box idea falls flat. If you decide to go in for all capital letter approach, the brain reacts in a distinct way and slows down the interpretation. Sticking with the usual lower case format is the key of success and you should follow the same.

2.) Finding the proper spacing :

It is a fact that kerning and tracking are two vital fundamentals of any typography design. As you key in text in any project or web page, you need to find the perfect balance between too much and very little space. In case the space is too less, the words run the risk of running together. If however, they are too wide, finding the beginning of next line will be a tough task.

3.) Focus on the demographic :

Ensure that the font size you are using in your endeavor is directly proportionate to the target group, the website is catering to. In case, most of the users of your website are young, prefer using a standard font that is clearly readable. Have a setting of 10 to 11 for the standard font that you use for the venture. If in case, you are catering to an age group varying between 40 and 65, going in for a medium font between 11 and 12 points is the best course of action to pursue.

For someone working on websites for the elderly, the use of largest standard text sizes is advisable. Place the text size to be between 14 and 16 and you can connect in a better way with the targeted audience.

4.) Do not confuse between fonts and size :

Remember that not all fonts are made the same way. There can be variation between sizes , even at same points. Keep this in account and compensate for the same. If in case, you are set on a specified font but the sizing is not appropriate, you can go one step up or down and this will make all the difference.

5.) Breaking up the text :

Any font can be straining on the eyes. Keep this fact in mind and choose a font that soothes the eyes. To make it even better, you can break the same with images and header.

Follow the above listed measures and you will come up with a winning composition that will benefit you personally and professionally.

About The Author: Claudia is a writer/blogger. She loves writing, travelling and reading books. She contributes to Hydroxycut