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Introduction

What considerations go into creating identification products like signs, tags, labels, trophies or plaques that are easy to read?

Size of the letters

When the text on the sign is suitably sized, not only is the sign visible to viewers, it is also easier for them to read it. One helpful tool to determine which size lettering is best for a sign is called a letter height legibility chart. The following describe how to use this chart below as well as provide some tips for font and color choice. This guide complies with AS 1319-1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment

 

Maximum Legibility Distance (meter)

Viewing conditions:

1. Good lighting

1. Poor lighting

2. Within field of view

2. Outside of field of view

Recommended letter height, upper case (millimeter)

Recommended letter height, lower case (millimeter)

Recommended letter height, upper case (millimeter)

Recommended letter height, lower case (millimeter)

1

5

4

7.5

6

2

10

8

15

12

3

15

12

22.5

18

4

20

16

30

24

5

25

20

37.5

30

6

30

24

45

36

7

35

28

52.5

42

8

40

32

60

48

9

45

36

67.5

54

10

50

40

75

60

11

55

44

82.5

66

12

60

48

90

72

13

65

52

97.5

78

14

70

56

105

84

15

75

60

112.5

90

16

80

64

120

96

17

85

68

127.5

102

18

90

72

135

108

19

95

76

142.5

114

20

100

80

150

120

Table: Legibility Chart

 

 

 

Use of the Legibility Chart

The above chart shows the distances (maximum legibility distances) and their recommended letter heights (upper or lower case), under different viewing conditions.

The first step in using the legibility chart is to determine the distance from the viewer to the identification product. Once the distance is defined, check to see where it falls on the legibility chart. This will give one an idea of the letter height needed for either the ideal readable distance or the maximum readable distance.

Now that the letter height is determined for legibility, let’s move on to font. 

Typography

The chosen font effects the readability of the sign. Certain types of fonts are clear and easy-to-read from a distance, while others are difficult to read no matter how much the viewer squints at the sign. There are generally 2 types of fonts, i.e. Serif and Sans Serif.

“Serifs” or “Serif fonts” have small features on the ends of strokes. Serif fonts are usually used in lengthy text, such as books, newspapers, and most magazines and are the most commonly used printed typestyle due to perceived readability. After all, when one strives to create something beautiful and remarkable to look at, the main goal is to have the message clear and readable.

Examples of Serif fonts

  • Times New Roman,
  • Georgia,
  • Palatino
  • Garamond

Those without the small features are called “Sans-Serifs” or “San-Serif Fonts.” Sans-serif letters began to appear in printed media as early as 1805. They were popular due to their clarity and legibility in advertising and display use when printed very large or very small. Sans-serif fonts have become the most prevalent for displaying text on computer screens, partly because screens tend to struggle to show fine serif details in small type.

Below are examples of San Serif fonts:

  • Arial,
  • Helvetica,
  • Tahoma

Once the suitable font is chosen for the sign, it is time to choose colors that will help the sign stand out. 

Color Schemes

(See Tips for creating beautiful and effective design that makes the most of spot colors)

Beside the right choice of letter height and font, the sign is not easily read if the wrong colors are chosen. Color is also a key factor in sign visibility. It is important to pick a contrasting color scheme to make sure the letters on the sign stand out.

One popular high-contrast scheme for signs is white lettering against a dark, colored background. This is a great choice because it’s highly visible from afar and easy-to-read. 

Here are some other color combinations to consider.

  • White or yellow lettering on a black background.
  • White or yellow lettering on a dark blue background. 
  • Black lettering on a light blue background. 
  • Black, dark blue, or red lettering on a yellow background.
  • Yellow or white lettering on a red background.

Lastly, one needs to make sure it is position at the right place for maximum visibility.

Viewing angle / Lighting conditions

For optimum visibility, signs should be close to the traffic and angled to where they can best meet the eyes of many viewers. Make sure it is in a spot where the most people possible can see it.

Lighting Conditions

Identification products should be placed in areas with plenty of light or with lighting added (especially for nighttime). In most cases, light makes signs easier to see, but sometimes it can actually make it more difficult to make them out. For example, pastel-colored signs (especially with light-colored lettering) may have reduced visibility when light hits the graphic. Signs with darker colors and contrast fare better in areas with lots of lighting.

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