TYPOGRAPHY IS THE ARTISTRY and style behind the design of words and symbols (Edwards, 2004). As an artist's choice of paint and brush strokes profoundly influences the mood and impact of a portrait or landscape, the choice of typography affects instructional media.

When choosing a typeface for on-screen instructional content (website, online tutorial, video, etc.) consider the font style, size, weight, spacing, and audience.

Of the 23 anatomical parts of type, the absence or presence of serifs is the attribute that most dramatically affects typography (Williams, 1998).

Serif fonts such as Georgia and Times have extra flourishes at the end of a letter's primary line. "Sans" is French for "without," thus sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial and Verdana), exclude serifs.

Results of multiple studies of legibility and reading speed show that there is little difference between serif and sans serif fonts.

However, sans serif fonts are the overwhelming preference for on screen reading.

For example, in a comparison of Times and Arial, participants chose Arial "as being the most legible and sharpest font" (Bernard & Mills, 2000). Additional research shows that audiences prefer fonts designed specifically for screen reading regardless of serifs. 

In a comparison of 12 fonts, Bernard, et. al. report that "in this study, as well as our other font studies, [sans serif fonts] Arial, Verdana, and Comic scored high in preference" (2001). While Hoffman, et al, notes, "if designers are concerned…about how users perceive screen text, then using a typeface designed for screen readability" such as Georgia, Arial, or Verdana is strongly suggested (2003). 

The links above change this article's

text between two fonts designed for

on screen reading. Which do you prefer?

Measured in points, font size is another consideration for instructional text. In addition to considering the audience's vision, type size depends on the specific font and viewing screen. For example, 12-point Arial renders larger than 12-point Times, and 12-point text on a PC appears larger than on a Mac.

Research shows that 12-point Times (serif) text on a PC is read faster than 10-point Arial (sans serif); however, participants across two studies preferred 12-point sans serif fonts (Bernard, 2000; 2001).

Accomadating for the vision and literacy of the audience is important, since specific population groups, such as children and adults over 62 prefer 14-point sans serif fonts (Bernard, 2000, 2001).

Use the links above to view the article's

 text in a 12 and 14 point serif and sans

 serif font. (Return to original font settings.)

Just as composing a photograph, or video requires attention to the space around a subject, so does text require attention to the space around letters, words, and lines. While a little spacing between letters and words often improves readability, too much "can make reading more difficult because individual words [or lines] appear less distinct on the page" (Teague, 1998).

Researchers analyzing font face and size preferences have noted that spacing between words and negative space around type are factors that affect the legibility of on screen text (Morrison, 2003). However, the exact amount of spacing varies on content, font style, and audience.

When balancing of design elements on a screen, the font weight, or the thickness of a letter's stroke, comes into play. For example, bold or black type is heavier than regular or colored type, and 14-point font is heavier than 10-point font. 

As shown by this font scale from typogranism,

bold sans serif is heavier than a regular serif font.

In addition to serif or sans serif, font size, spacing, and weight, is the mood or emotion conveyed by typography. Just as a three-piece suit conveys an impression of "business" or "formal" and jeans and a t-shirt suggest "relaxed" and "casual," type creates a mood for instructional content. A letter supposedly from the IRS, with font that looks like a that of a circus poster is rarely going to be taken seriously.

This desired mood should be noted when analyzing users. In additional to determining the overall mood or emotion of the content, this analysis will help instructional designers determine font size. 

Click the red button above to view five different fonts. Based on

the font style, what kind of story do you imagine the phrase is from?

As choosing the right visuals is integral to instructional content, so is choosing the right font face and size, as well as font spacing and weight. Research shows that online reading speed and legibility for serif or sans serif text in statistically insignificant. However, audiences overwhelming prefer sans serif fonts or fonts designed for on screen reading, perceiving that it is easier and faster to read.

In fact, usability experts state that when appropriate and/or possible, allowing the audience to choose their font face and size is preferred (Crawford, 2002).

Galadriel Chilton

Chilton, G. (2005). Typography for instructional media. In B. Hoffman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Educational Technology. Retrieved July 15, 2010, from file:///D:/实验室/eet/articles/typography2/start.htm