Design improvements for frequently misrecognized letters

Abstract

To enhance typeface legibility we studied how to improve the design of individual letters. Three diff erent fonts were created, each containing several variations of the most frequently misrecognized letters. These variations were tested both with distance and short exposure methodologies. Creating variations within a typeface avoided confounds that occur when letters from diff erent typefaces are compared against each other. The studies found that some variations were more legible than others despite the letters within a font having similar size, weight, and personality. The results showed that narrow letters benefi t from being widened, and that x-height characters benefi t from using more of the ascending and descending area. These fi ndings can be used to improve the design of future typefaces.

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