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Subject:Serif vs sans serif - Research From:Laura J Modisette <modisetl -at- BATTELLE -dot- ORG> Date:Wed, 19 Apr 1995 07:55:47 -0500
I just received the latest brochure from the Graphic Design Book
Club. One of their featured books is Type & Layout by Colin
Wheildon. The blurb states:
"...the results of typographer/magazine editor Colin
Wheildon's nine years of rigorous research (involving
the repeated testing of more than 200 adults) on the
relationship between typography and readability.
Studies show:
- If body copy is set in serif type rather than sans
serif, more than five times as many readers demonstrate
good comprehension of the material
"Use this information to satisfy clients who ask for
'justification' of your design choices."
Though the studies don't sound statistically significant, this
book may be of interest. The book club itself is a good source
for books about typography, use of color, and design. In case
you're interested in the book club:
Graphic Design Book Club
P.O. Box 12526
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212-0526
(513) 531-8250
Fax: (513) 531-4744
Laura Modisette
Battelle
modisetl -at- battelle -dot- org