In my second experiment I wanted to find out how font size and typeface affect reading speed and the reading flow.
The setup:
- I set the story “The ugly duckling” in different fonts and sizes
- I then cut the different paper parts apart and gave them to my test people. Because it is too difficult for first readers, I tried it out on adults, who are already proficient readers
- I then observed the time it took to read the individual stories out loud
My observations throughout the experiment:
- Small font sizes (e.g. 8–10 pt) immediately made readability more difficult because letters were closer together and word images became harder to recognize
- Decorative fonts made letter recognition difficult, especially for frequently confused letters like b/d, p/q
- Generous font sizes (14–16 pt) with clear, sans-serif typefaces ensured smooth legibility and a consistent reading rhythm
- Justified text with narrow line spacing led to rapid fatigue, while ragged text with sufficient line spacing supported the flow of reading
- Long blocks of text without paragraphs were intimidating and overwhelming, even for adults
My key take-aways:
- Reader-friendly design is essential for reading motivation and flow, especially for beginning readers
- Font size, line spacing, and the choice of font directly influence visual fatigue and text accessibility
- The aesthetic choice of a “pretty” font can hinder the reading process if it is too complex or playful
- Paragraphs and visual rest areas in the text make it easier to follow the story and support reading skills
