Readablity/Legiblity

Williams argues that just because someone is accustomed to reading a certain type of typeface, doesn't make the font any more readable than another. Basically the design of a text is what makes it readable. A highly designed text can distract the reader, thus making the text more difficult to read. Serifed fonts tend to be more readable since the eye is drawn from one letter to the next. Text that is in all capital or all lowercase letters can be a problem for readers since we also read in shapes and a word that contains letters of all the same shape are seen as a square rather than seeing the ascenders and descenders that are intended to create shape.

Letterspacing, wordspacing and line spacing are all important to consider when creating a large amount of text for an audience. The author should respect the reader enough to not make them overwork their eyes with a start/stop motion when reading. Allowing adequate space through tracking, kerning, linespace and leading makes reading an easier task.

Williams addresses legibility as well, which is how easily we can read short amounts of text such has headlines or websites. When we are searching for information we want to be able to process the words quickly without spending time deciphering each letter. Williams suggests that sans serif fonts are more appropriate for short amount of text because they look clean and brisk, allowing the reader to quickly recognize their shape. The x-height and weight of the letter are both important elements for the designer to consider. Mixed caps is intended for titles only since they slow a reader down.

Williams' message is to use any sort of highly designed font in moderation in order to make text more readable and legible.