Not only can matching typesize to readership be tricky, it can be controversial. I've gotten static from some readers who say it's rude and condescending to suggest using larger type sizes for more mature audiences (I qualify). While I tend to like the look of smaller type -- not microscopic -- I won't complain if someone wants to crank up the type size a notch or two if it's something I want to be able to actually read.
Do you worry about offending with a type size that's too small or too large? Depending on the font, 10 to 11 point type is a good starting point for body text. On the Web it's often fairly easy to enlarge the type with your browser. I do find it rather inconvenient at times, but it's doable. In print, we're usually stuck with whatever size the designer/publisher deems appropriate. Every now and then my mother will give me an old copy of Reader's Digest in the large print edition. I've grown to really like those.
When and how do you decide to go bigger (or smaller)?
Shout (or whisper) about it in the comments.
My biggest pet peeves are restaurant menus. Not only are the type sizes to small some time they use a script that is also hard to read then add the dim lights and I feel blind. My evening bags now have to include a pen light and folding readers which barley leaves room for my lipstick tucked in to be able to read the menu! With today’s food prices don’t these restaurants know that it is the mostly the over 40 crowd who can afford to fine dine.
I set the Church Sunday Bulletin (Order of Service) in 16 Bookman old with spacing of 1.2x with one or two smaller composers of songs set in 12 italic Bookman old. Nary a complaint.
“Always read the fine print” says it all! I never prepare a document in anything smaller than 11 point type for any audience. And why do some type faces claim to be 12 point when they are MUCH smaller (or larger) than that when printed?
We publish our eMagazine in a 55+ community, and never use less than 14pt type . . . and that includes our email contacts with readers. It’s simply a matter of being courteous, understanding, considerate and responsible.
I’m with you ! I like large print..It’s often difficult to read items when their in #8! Often an error is made reading the number 5 vs 6. Same goes for 3 & 8. I also design and repair surface mount electronic modules for amateur radio use…my mounted magnifying glass is always in use.
I can only agree. It makes me so mad when I do ads for people & they want them so small no one can read what they have! We also have a policy of 9 pt. minimum for the main part of ads, we will allow the “fine print” items to be a little smaller. Like I tell my boss, do they want the young people with good eyes & no money to read their ad, or the elderly people with bad eyes & a bit more money to spend to read it?
Right on.
Betty, my wife, a non computer citizen, 87,complained to me could not read daughter Heather’s emails.
Print too small.
Heather responded with a 12 font.
No more problem
I am 76 with cataracts forming in both eyes, but I am not dead yet. I am interested in what is going on in the world and keep an active life. I especially don’t like magazine sidebars that have white font on a darker color. They are very difficult to interpret. Sometimes I just give up on reading them. Is that what the publishers want?
Condescending? RUDE? Tells a lot about the ages of the people who are complaining. This is political correctness taken ‘way too far. Rude is not being considerate of the tolls age takes on one’s body.