Tiresius font rant
Out of context: Reply #8
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Simulating typical vision problems
The following examples show typefaces that meet the ADA requirements for use in signage systems. Each is shown as it would be seen by a viewer with no vision problem compared with an example of how it would be seen by a viewer experiencing a loss of light and focus.Bodoni Book [Figure 8] Thin stroke areas make this typeface a less than optimal choice for use with signage. Characters tend to break apart under low vision conditions.
Times Roman [Figure 9] The larger x-height and less thin stroke areas slightly improve readability. The somewhat condensed proportion results in closed counterforms under low vision conditions, such as in the “e” and “a” characters.
Garamond Semibold [Figure 10] The more consistent stroke width and wider proportion help readability. Small counterforms in the “e” and “a” tend to close under low vision conditions. The pronounced ascenders and descenders remain visible.
Century Schoolbook [Figure 11] The wider proportion helps the counterforms in the “e” and “a” to close less. The more consistent stroke weight and larger x-height improve readability in low vision conditions.
Glypha Roman [Figure 12] As in the previous example, the larger x-height, wider proportion, and consistent stroke weight all improve readability in low vision conditions. The less pronounced ascenders and descenders tend to fall away, though the slab serifs make each character slightly more distinct.
Futura Heavy [Figure 13] The simple, circular forms (such as in the single story “a” single stroke “u”) seem to hold up well under low vision conditions, as do the long ascenders and descenders. The short crossbar of the “t” does fall away, however.
Helvetica Bold [Figure 14] The larger x-height and wide proportions help readability under low vision conditions. The shorter ascenders and descenders do not hold up as well.
Univers 65 [Figure 15] The slightly smaller x-height results in counterforms that close a bit more than the previous example. The wider “r” and “t” hold up well, however.
Frutiger Bold [Figure 16] As this face was originally created for use in an airport, it is fitting that it functions well under low vision conditions. The fairly wide proportion, open counterforms and slightly longer ascenders and descenders all seem to improve readability.
Syntax Bold [Figure 17] The slightly condensed proportion results in closed counterforms under low vision conditions, though the more pronounced “t” and longer ascenders and descenders are positive attributes.
- shit, nevermind, you're talking about digital/screen fontsneue75_bold
- Frutiger! why didn't we use that? hmmmm??? who MAKES these decisions?vespa
- Frutiger is balls in my books...neue75_bold
- post something that isn't balls in your books! pleeeasevespa