Applying cognitive and perceptual science to typeface choices

A general focus within reading research is to isolate individual cognitive and perceptual processes for investigation. By doing so, we gradually increase our understanding of the components that collectively enable humans to read. The aim of this article is to create an overview of some of these findings that could inform the selection of typefaces. We discuss aspects of letter crowding, serifs, inter-letter spacing and letter weight and width, reviewing the literature on reading and
perception and contextualising it in relation to reading scenarios involving paragraph reading, small visual angles and glance reading. Although several perceptual aspects can relate to multiple reading scenarios, we conclude that there is no such thing as the most legible typeface, as typeface legibility varies depending on the reading situation.

Practitioner Summary: This review article found that for better legibility, use fonts with simple designs, open counters, and wider letter shapes. Avoid narrow spacing, condensed fonts, extreme weights and excessive embellishments. Larger x-heights aid recognition, but long ascenders and descenders help distinguish letters. Adapt wider letters and spacing for low-vision readers.