An eye tracking study of how font size and type influence online reading

In order to maximize online reading performance and comprehension, how should a designer choose typographical variables such as font size and font type? This paper presents an eye tracking study of how font size and font type affect online reading. In a between-subjects design, we collected data from 82 subjects reading stories formatted in a variety of point sizes, san serif, and serif fonts. Reading statistics such as reading speed were computed, and post-tests of comprehension were recorded. For smaller font sizes, fixation durations are significantly longer, resulting in slower reading

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2008
• Where: BCSHCI
• Authors: David Beymer, Daniel M. Russell, Peter Z. Orton
• Keywords: BCSHCI 2008, Font Sizes, Human Computer Interaction, San Serif, Serif Fonts