Examining perceptions of online text size and typeface legibility for older males and females

Abstract

This study examined the perceived font legibility, ease of reading, and font sharpness, as well as perceptions of font attractiveness, fun/personality, and general preference of two serif (Times New Roman and Georgia) and sans serif (Arial and Verdana) fonts at 12- and 14-point sizes on a computer by older adults (mean age of 70). The results revealed that participants perceived the 14-point size as more legible than the 12-point size. A significant interaction was found for font ease of reading and sharpness. Males perceived the 14-point size as being easier to read and sharper than the 12-point size. Females, however, showed little change in these perceptions as the font size changed from 12 to 14 points. Moreover, assessing font attraction revealed a significant interaction. Males perceived the 14-point size as being more attractive and had greater personality/fun than the 12-point size, whereas female's perceptions, regardless of the font size, were generally equivalent to the male's perceptions at the 14-point size. All participants significantly preferred the larger, 14-point sans serif fonts. No significant effects were found for font typeface. Implications of these results and design recommendations for online text for older adults are discussed.