My OperaReadable Fonts
Friday, December 31, 2010 9:28:48 AM
If you too have come across the hideous "Comic Sans" once too often, you'll probably enjoy clicking through this entertaining piece: Comic Sans Criminal.
While reading, I was intrigued to learn that Comic Sans is in fact known to be good for dyslexics! This can not excuse its use of course, but reminded me of some additional considerations when choosing a typeface.
This page from dyslexia.com (linked to from Comic Sans Criminal) discusses the typographic problems faced by dyslexics and the features in fonts which can help to ease them. Although none of the examples on the page will be making it into my next project, the information will none the less be valuable when I come to choosing one that will.
The world would be a dull place indeed if we always choose fonts solely to maximise readability, but the key is to know when readability is important. Title's and strap lines, which need to capture the look and feel of your site, can exploit more crazy and exciting fonts: struggling readers will not have to invest significant time in deciphering what will only be a few words, usually in a larger size. Readability shoots up the priority list when you consider the body text however. Remember, that everyone is affected by readability: you'll loose your reader's attention that much faster if they're straining to read.
While reading, I was intrigued to learn that Comic Sans is in fact known to be good for dyslexics! This can not excuse its use of course, but reminded me of some additional considerations when choosing a typeface.
This page from dyslexia.com (linked to from Comic Sans Criminal) discusses the typographic problems faced by dyslexics and the features in fonts which can help to ease them. Although none of the examples on the page will be making it into my next project, the information will none the less be valuable when I come to choosing one that will.
The world would be a dull place indeed if we always choose fonts solely to maximise readability, but the key is to know when readability is important. Title's and strap lines, which need to capture the look and feel of your site, can exploit more crazy and exciting fonts: struggling readers will not have to invest significant time in deciphering what will only be a few words, usually in a larger size. Readability shoots up the priority list when you consider the body text however. Remember, that everyone is affected by readability: you'll loose your reader's attention that much faster if they're straining to read.
