Beyond (Type)Face Value: A Systematic Literature Review Examining Design Factors Influencing the Legibility and Readability of Typography

Beyond (Type)Face Value: A Systematic Literature Review Examining Design Factors Influencing the Legibility and Readability of Typography

Brian Ho Sang and Diana Petrarca

Frazer Faculty of Education, Ontario Tech University, Canada (brian.hosang[at]ontariotechu.net)

Abstract: Printed or digital text is a primary communication medium. Reading is necessary for locating, understanding, and using information in our personal and professional lives. The importance of reading makes typography essential to accessibility. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to examine design factors that influence the legibility and readability of accessible typography, resulting in 42 peer-reviewed empirical studies (2000–2025) that report on typeface design, typesetting, and other factors affecting legibility and readability of typography in Latin alphabet-based languages. Key findings include: (1) serifs are not a significant legibility factor; (2) no single type size or typeface optimizes readability for everyone in every situation; and (3) familiarity may be a significant legibility and readability factor. These results suggest that accessible typography guidelines should reflect the complexity and nuance involved in optimizing readability and identify several research gaps. Future research should explore typeface design characteristics beyond serifs within type classifications, the influence of familiarity on readability and reading skills, the potential transferability of familiarity between similar typefaces, the duration of the familiarization process, the persistence of its effects, and whether reader motivation and adaptability can outweigh these effects. Additionally, accessible typography research may benefit from studies incorporating natural reading conditions, materials that better reflect current design practices, more diverse reading measures, and in-depth qualitative approaches.

Keywords: accessibility; legibility; readability; reading; typography

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Author

Brian Ho Sang is a graphic designer with over 20 years of professional experience and 10 years as an educator in higher education. He is an emerging researcher with the Frazer Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech University, investigating the potential social impact of design through inclusivity and accessibility. His research aims to advance understanding of design, enhance pro-fessional and educational practices, and explore how social systems shape identities and structures, either empowering or constraining individuals and communities.

Dr. Diana Petrarca is a Professor and founding member of the Frazer Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech University. During her time at Ontario Tech University, she has held numerous adminis-trative roles including Practicum Coordinator, Bachelor of Education Program Director, Assistant Dean, and Acting Dean. Her research interests include initial teacher education programs, critical thinking and creativity in initial teacher education and higher education, web-based learning and learning tools, and (un)making teachers.

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Cite this article:
Ho Sang, B., & Petraca, D. (2025). Beyond (type)face value: A systematic literature review examining design factors influencing the legibility and readability of typography. Visible Language, 59(3), 262–294. https://www.visible-language.org/journal/issue-59-3-legibility-readability/

First published online May 22, 2025. © 2025 Visible Language — this article is open access, published under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.

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