Type size research

[geoff-h -at- MTL -dot- FERIC -dot- CA]

 Jill Burgchardt asked for advice on type size. Jill,
 there's been lots of research on this issue, but there is
 no single answer you can apply because there are so many
 variables to consider. Instead of trying for a single
 optimal size, I suggest that you consider the following
 factors in choosing the type size required (in order of
 importance):

 - your audience: many older readers have a difficult time
 reading text smaller than 10 point, and find the 12 point
 size easier to read. What size is the audience familiar and
 comfortable with?

 - your typeface: all fonts differ (some dramatically) in
 perceived size at a nominal point size. Perhaps pick
 another font that is smaller at the same nominal point
 size? Perhaps pick a font such as Times that is optimized
 for packing text legibly into a small space?

 - your leading (line spacing): The larger the font, the
 larger the line spacing typically. Reducing both font size
 and line spacing slightly might help more than just
 dropping to 10 point type.

 --Geoff Hart     @8^{)}     geoff-h -at- mtl -dot- feric -dot- ca
 Disclaimer: Speaking for myself, not FERIC.

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