Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
When designing with large amounts of information, it is important to consider how
visible elements are within the design. We discussed in Chapter 2 the importance of
designing for a specific audience and how visual impairment may be a factor that
needs to be addressed. In terms of legibility, it is not only those with sight problems
who may have difficulty reading a piece of typography or seeing an image. The con-
text in which the piece is presented may have an impact on how readable it is. Think
about text used within wayfinding systems. The fonts used should be bold enough to
be read from a distance. The style of font, weight and colour will all be determining
factors in how legible and readable a piece of information is. Contrast is important be-
cause, if the difference in tone is not great enough, the audience will have difficulties
in distinguishing it. Lighting can drastically affect the readability of text. Typography
seen in direct sunlight may be visible, but consider the cash machine or ATM where
text on screen is employed. In dull light, the type on screen seems legible and clear.
However, in direct sunlight the glare on the screen can render the type indistinguish-
able from its background.
Colour-coding
Colour can help the viewer remember information, but any more than three or four
colours becomes difficult to recall. Imagine you colour-code the letters of the alpha-
bet and apply them to words. A 26-colour code relies on retaining a lot of information
in your short-term memory. The result is that you make the piece colourful but un-
readable.
Nameable colours are more memorable
In order for colour to be memorable the viewer should be able to name them with
ease. Stick to the basic six-colour palette and there will be no ambiguity as to wheth-
er a colour is lime-green, grass-green or yellow-green. The more distinction between
various colours, the less chance of confusion.
Make colour codes equally strong
Design systems that have colours of equal strength and contrast. This ensures that
one colour is not viewed as more important than another. Strong colours will have
more emphasis when viewed with pale ones. Colours that have equivalent strength
also have comparable legibility, even at a distance.
