1. It is important to harmonize the characteristics
of a typeface with the intended message.
Factors that affect readability and legibility
include:
•Type size, leading, and kerning
•Number of characters and line length
•Font selection—serif, sans serif, and
fancy
•Typeface selection
.
Type
Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information

2. The upper halves of characters are scanned by the eye, making for easy recognition
and reading.
Words set in lowercase type are more easily recognizable than words set in
uppercase type.
Type should be seamless and not call attention to itself.
Legibilty
Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information

3. Too tight of spacing causes the
reader to work harder.
Too loose of spacing creates rivers,
disrupting eye movement across a
page.
Normal is “just right.”
Spacing
Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information

4. Not all typefaces are created equal
Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information

5. Most text settings are improved with a 1-2 point increase in leading.
Too much linespace can cause type to become disjointed and ununified.
Leading
Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information

6. • Should be comfortable to read
• Larger type = longer line length
• Should not exceed 35 - 70 characters per line
Line Length
Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information

7. Widows
• A short line at the end of a paragraph.
• General rule of thumb:
If it is less than 7 characters it is a widow.
Orphans
• A short line that appears at the top of a
column or the first line of a paragraph that
appears at the end of a column or page.
Widows & Orphans
Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information