Comparing the Effects of Text Size and Format on the Readability of Computer-Displayed Times New Roman and Arial Text

Michael L. Bernard; Barbara S. Chaparro; Melissa M. Mills; Charles G. Halcomb

doi:10.1016/S1071-5819(03)00121-6

Comparing the Effects of Text Size and Format on the Readability of Computer-Displayed Times New Roman and Arial Text

Michael L. Bernard, Barbara S. Chaparro, Melissa M. Mills, Charles G. Halcomb

Wichita State University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Times New Roman and Arial typefaces in 10- and 12-point, dot-matrix and anti-aliased format conditions were compared for readability (accuracy, reading speed, and accuracy/ reading speed), as well as perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, ease of reading, and general preference. In assessing readability, the 10-point anti-aliased Arial typeface was read slower than the other type conditions. Examining perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, and ease of reading detected significant effects for typeface, size, and format. Overall, the 12- point dot-matrix Arial typeface was preferred to the other typefaces. Recommendations for appropriate typeface combinations for computer-displayed text are discussed.

Original language	American English
Pages (from-to)	823-835
Number of pages	13
Journal	International Journal of Human Computer Studies
Volume	59
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5819(03)00121-6 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5819(03)00121-6
State	Published - Dec 2003
Externally published	Yes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Human Factors and Ergonomics
Software
Education
General Engineering
Human-Computer Interaction
Hardware and Architecture

Keywords

human-centered computing
human computer interaction
interaction devices
interaction design
touch screens

Disciplines

Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces

Access to Document

10.1016/S1071-5819(03)00121-6License: Unspecified
10.1016/S1071-5819(03)00121-6

Cite this

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title = "Comparing the Effects of Text Size and Format on the Readability of Computer-Displayed Times New Roman and Arial Text",

abstract = " Times New Roman and Arial typefaces in 10- and 12-point, dot-matrix and anti-aliased format conditions were compared for readability (accuracy, reading speed, and accuracy/ reading speed), as well as perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, ease of reading, and general preference. In assessing readability, the 10-point anti-aliased Arial typeface was read slower than the other type conditions. Examining perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, and ease of reading detected significant effects for typeface, size, and format. Overall, the 12- point dot-matrix Arial typeface was preferred to the other typefaces. Recommendations for appropriate typeface combinations for computer-displayed text are discussed.",

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author = "Bernard, {Michael L.} and Chaparro, {Barbara S.} and Mills, {Melissa M.} and Halcomb, {Charles G.}",

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AU - Halcomb, Charles G.

N1 - We're upgrading the ACM DL, and would like your input. Please sign up to review new features, functionality and page designs.

PY - 2003/12

Y1 - 2003/12

N2 - Times New Roman and Arial typefaces in 10- and 12-point, dot-matrix and anti-aliased format conditions were compared for readability (accuracy, reading speed, and accuracy/ reading speed), as well as perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, ease of reading, and general preference. In assessing readability, the 10-point anti-aliased Arial typeface was read slower than the other type conditions. Examining perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, and ease of reading detected significant effects for typeface, size, and format. Overall, the 12- point dot-matrix Arial typeface was preferred to the other typefaces. Recommendations for appropriate typeface combinations for computer-displayed text are discussed.

AB - Times New Roman and Arial typefaces in 10- and 12-point, dot-matrix and anti-aliased format conditions were compared for readability (accuracy, reading speed, and accuracy/ reading speed), as well as perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, ease of reading, and general preference. In assessing readability, the 10-point anti-aliased Arial typeface was read slower than the other type conditions. Examining perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, and ease of reading detected significant effects for typeface, size, and format. Overall, the 12- point dot-matrix Arial typeface was preferred to the other typefaces. Recommendations for appropriate typeface combinations for computer-displayed text are discussed.

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KW - human computer interaction

KW - interaction devices

KW - interaction design

KW - touch screens

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Comparing the Effects of Text Size and Format on the Readability of Computer-Displayed Times New Roman and Arial Text

Abstract

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Keywords

Disciplines

Access to Document

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