The document discusses factors that affect the readability and legibility of type, including type size, leading, kerning, line length, font selection, and typeface selection. Proper use of type helps harmonize the intended message and makes text easier to read. Key considerations include using larger and lowercase type, appropriate spacing between letters, words, and lines, limiting line length, and avoiding widows and orphans.

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
WD131: 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
WD131: 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 creates rivers disrupting
eye movement
across a page
Normal is “just right”.
Spacing
WD131: Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information

4. Not all typefaces are created equal
WD131: 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
WD131: 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
WD131: 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
WD131: Fundamentals of Design
Unit 6: Type
Module 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information