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The studies I've seen about readability and legibility…

“The studies I've seen about readability and legibility tend to focus on a specific set of metrics: size, not just the point size, but things like the size of the lower case letters as a proportion of the overall letter height, and line length. People simply can't read really small type set in…” quote by Michael Bierut
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“The studies I've seen about readability and legibility tend to focus on a specific set of metrics: size, not just the point size, but things like the size of the lower case letters as a proportion of the overall letter height, and line length. People simply can't read really small type set in really long lines.”

Michael Bierut

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Readability depends on size, proportion, and line length; small type in long lines is hard to read.

In simple terms: Small text and long lines hurt readability.

Key Takeaway

Design with appropriate size and spacing.

Themes

design readability typography visual communication

Mood

concerned analytical

Type

instructional observational

When to use this quote

  • web design
  • print layout
  • UI design
  • advertising
  • signage

Key Concepts

proportion legibility human factors

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance aesthetic and legibility?
  • What metrics matter most for your audience?
A Different Perspective

Long lines can still be hard even with good size choices.

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