How can you make your text easier to read?

⚠️ Prioritize Readability Over Aesthetics: While aesthetics can play a role in font selection, readability should always take precedence, especially when the primary purpose of your text is to convey information or facilitate communication. Even the most aesthetically pleasing fonts may become a hindrance if they sacrifice readability.

Keep it simple! Try to choose only two typefaces to make your design look simple, readable and unique. One of the simplest and most frequently used methods is to combine a system font for the body text and a non-default or serif font for headings. This will add visually pleasing contrasts to your design.

Font selection is such an important factor in branding and marketing design. It’s not just about choosing a pretty font or simply just because you like it. In this modern age of innovation there are many factors to consider in font selection for best practice in user experience. Font legibility, especially in onscreen communications for accessibility is optimum and sans serif fonts are the most preferable for legibility. Choosing universal fonts which can be used across all platforms, devices and applications is key in branding and marketing for consistency. Kerning (letter spacing) and line height are also important factors to consider, as are size and weight. And of course, colour psychology is another crucial factor.

People with normal vision find aesthetic interface content more pleasing to the eye, while people with visual impairments find accessible interface content easier to read and use. A truly accessible and aesthetic interface content strikes a balance between these two extremes.

Certainly! To make your text more readable, use clear and concise language. Break up your content into paragraphs and headings to improve organization. Utilize lists and bullets to highlight key points and improve digestibility. Choose a legible font, ensure proper line spacing, and use formatting like italics and bold sparingly. Maintain good contrast between text and background colors, and avoid long walls of text. Limit jargon, proofread for errors, and consider using visuals to complement your text. Prioritize accessibility and mobile optimization, and test your text's readability with tools like the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test. These strategies will enhance the overall readability of your text.

🚦 Consider Accessibility & Inclusivity: Ensure that the font size and line spacing choices you make align with accessibility guidelines and accommodate a diverse audience. Accessibility is about making content usable by individuals with various needs, including those with visual impairments.

According to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international organization that produces web accessibility standards: # Within paragraphs, line spacing should be at least a space and a half. That is, approximately 150 percent or 1.5 times the font size. # Following paragraphs should be separated by at least twice the font size. # Letter spacing should be at least 0.12 times the font size. # Word spacing should be at least 0.16 times the font size.

I would prefer we always consider the most suitable font size especially for mobile phone. Most of us access articles through mobile phone than laptops, tablet, books, magazine, or even TV.

One of the much ignored practices of proper font usage is the tendency for certain designers to 'get flowery' with copy for forced contrast by employing about 6 to 8 different font variations in a single poster/ flyer/ e-brochure. For one, it distracts the reader from the intent and impact of the communication. Two, it takes away from the actual function of a header, subheader, inset caption or that fine print which comes right at the end. Sticking to a font family of at best two variations (sparingly required) that reflects the brand tone of voice is so key - it holds the reader, makes it easier to digest and delivers the message without distraction.

Think of your font size and spacing as the comfort settings for your readers. Avoid making the font too small, causing eye strain, or too large, overwhelming the page. Aim for a font size of 16 pixels or more, adjusting for device and screen. Increase line spacing (leading) to create breathing space between lines. This way, your text remains inviting and easy on the eyes.

⛱️ Consistent Formatting: Ensure that formatting, including font types, sizes, styles, and spacing, remains consistent for headings, subheadings, paragraphs, and lists. This consistency enhances the overall readability and professional appearance of your content, aiding readers in following the text's structure.

Consider line length. Between 40-70chars (depending on the font and size) should be the size. The chunks need to be considered over multiple axis

Consider how the reader will interact with your text when deciding on "chunk size". While scrolling on a small screen, keeping track of your reading position in a body of text can be challenging. Shorter sentences help; varying punctuation does too. Try to provide visual cues to keep the reader oriented.

Breaking your text into smaller sections is like offering readers a map through your content. Use headings, subheadings, clear paragraphs, and lists to help them navigate and understand your message. Keep headings descriptive and concise, use font variations to show importance, and craft short, focused paragraphs with smooth transitions. Lists are perfect for sequential or categorized information, using bullet points or numbers to organize items.

There are some design principles that can make your text easier to read. One of it is contrast, text can easily be read if the background is of a higher contrast for instance if your background is dark, use a brighter color for your text and vice versa. Even if a text is very big and there is no contrast it will still not be easy to read

🚧 Content Flow: Ensure that the chosen text alignment complements the flow of your content. For example, left alignment may work well for continuous reading, while center alignment can be effective for specific design elements like headings or quotes. Align your text to enhance content flow and understanding.

Text alignment matters for readability. You have four options: left, right, center, and justify. Left alignment is the most natural and common for easy reading. Right alignment does the opposite. Center alignment, though symmetrical, can be trickier to follow. Justify alignment creates straight edges but can lead to uneven spacing. Choose the alignment that fits your purpose and design, but avoid mixing different types within the same text

Here's my Perspective on Text Alignment: 1. Left Alignment: A solid foundation for easy reading. 2. Right Alignment: Adds tension but use it with care. 3. Center Alignment: Visually captivating, best for short pieces. 4. Justify Alignment: Neat grid, watch for spacing.

🚥 Accessibility Priority: When considering text color and contrast, prioritize accessibility. Ensure that text stands out from the background with a high-contrast ratio, promoting clear and legible content. Choose colors that are harmonious and tone-appropriate, avoiding overly bright, dark, or similar color combinations to prevent eye strain and confusion.

When choosing colours for text and background, especially for print media, consider people with variations in colour perception (colour blindness). Technologies like CSS can allow readers to define their own styles and colours for electronic text. One of the reasons we use italics or bold text for emphasis in web design is that it doesn't rely on colour to convey meaning.

Color and contrast matter for readability. They influence how text stands out and relates to its background. Use them for visual appeal and emphasis, but prioritize visibility and legibility. Avoid overly bright, dark, or similar colors that strain the eyes. Opt for complementary, contrasting, or harmonious colors that match your content's tone. Maintain a high contrast ratio, like black on white or white on black, to ensure clear and readable text.

Here's my take: 1. Visual Interest & Emphasis: Colors should engage and highlight, but never overwhelm. 2. Visibility & Readability: Avoid extremes; opt for complementary, contrasting, or harmonious colors that match your content's tone. 3. Contrast is Key: Ensure a high contrast ratio between text and background, like black on white or white on black, for clarity and legibility. Using color and contrast wisely elevates your text, making it visually pleasing and reader-friendly.

Generally, a white background with black text is often preferred for readability and reduces eye strain, especially for extended reading. However, a black background with white text can be suitable for certain applications like presentations or websites that aim for a distinctive or aesthetic design. Ultimately, it's essential to consider the specific use case and user experience when making this choice.

🏵️ Usability Testing: Conduct usability testing with representative users to assess how they interact with your content. Observe their navigation, comprehension, and overall experience to identify any usability issues or areas for improvement. This user-centered approach helps ensure your text is user-friendly and achieves its intended goals effectively.

Verify easily with this simple trick: - Almost close your eyes 👁️. You'll see very fast which parts become hard to read, those are the ones that will fail in readability or for a wide range of audience

At the end of the day, my best advice is never to employ a textual variation without a specific purpose. When I show a student or colleague how much readable left-aligned text is compared to justified text for example, they can almost never explain why they chose the justified text in the first place. I'm all for being creative. Simplicity, elegance, and readability in text actually create a wonderful palette for the more our more expressive impulses.

Something that is usually rushed in my opinion is the fact that the Designer does not read or take the time to understand the Copy themselves. I strongly suggest working closely with the Copywriter and depending on the medium it's meant for, it can be simplified, shortened or even re-written in a different style so that it suits the intention.

Contrast is Crucial: Ensure a strong contrast between text and background colors to enhance readability. Dark text on a light background or vice versa works best Bullet Points and Lists: Use bullet points, numbered lists, or visual cues like icons to break down complex information into easily digestible chunks. This improves comprehension and engagement Responsive Design: Ensure your text is readable on various devices and screen sizes by using responsive design principles. Test your content on different platforms to ensure it adapts well to different screen dimensions

Here are some of their things I ensure before shipping my designs, - To run all text layers with AAA+ checker - To make sure I've used consistent and legible font sizes. - The background on which the font is placed on is also justifying with the font color.

In the pursuit of making text more accessible, consider the power of simplicity. Sometimes, the most effective way to enhance readability is to say more with less. Concise and clear language can significantly reduce cognitive load for your readers. Aim to convey your message succinctly, eliminating unnecessary jargon and redundancy. By trimming the excess, you not only make your text easier to read but also ensure that your content resonates with a broader audience, fostering a deeper connection through the beauty of simplicity.