Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Colour can be a significant factor when designing with large amounts of information
or when the message needs to be identified quickly. The contrast between the typo-
graphy or graphic elements and their background is essential in order for the viewer
to recognize the message clearly. There needs to be a significant difference in tone
between one component and another for clear distinction. As discussed and illustrated
on p. 44, poor contrast can be problematic for any members of the audience with
visual impairments. They may not be able to differentiate between colours with the
same tonal quality. It can also be difficult to distinguish from a distance or in adverse
weather conditions if used on environmental information design. A basic piece of ad-
vice would be to achieve maximum contrast between the foreground and the back-
ground. Use light type on a dark background and vice versa for clear, legible and
readable information.
As we have discussed, readability refers to how understandable a piece of text is.
Legibility refers to the construction of the letterforms themselves. Readability studies
suggest that we read along the tops of letters rather than their entire shapes. British
author and designer Cal Swann has described the top half of letters as being made
up of characteristic shapes that provide the reader with visual clues as to the whole
shape of a word. He proposed that when the letters of the alphabet are put together
they make up a word shape; subsequently, it is this word shape and not the individual
letters that we recognize.
It is for this reason that letters arranged vertically top to bottom are difficult to read.
Word space is also an essential factor when considering legibility. The space around
and between letterforms is as important to readability as pauses are to timings in mu-
sic as wordsruntogetherwithoutspace.
Text cropped to show only the tops of letters.
