Word & Letter Spacing for Reading
When considering modern spacing it is, most often, assumed that spaces between words will be present. How much spacing is left between letters is, however, an entirely different idea that receives less consideration, but can have a large impact upon reading. Studies have shown that slight increases in interletter spacing facilitate higher reading speeds, and improved word recognition (Perea & Gomez, 2012). This improvement may, however, be more prevalent in adults than in children or early readers, as shown by the less significant results obtained by Reynolds and Walker (2004), who studied the effects of different word and letter spacing on young children who were early readers.
Examples:
Consider which of the following is easier to read:
Condensed interletter spacing (-1.5) (Top)
Standard interletter spacing (0) (Middle)
Expanded interletter spacing (+1.5) (Bottom)
Although increasing interletter spacing is far from a guarantee of reading improvement (Reynolds & Walker, 2004), it may be beneficial for readers who struggle with word recognition. At the same time, it is important that the spacing not be increased too much, as doing so may eliminate the benefits (Perea & Gomez, 2004).
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Site by Meggan Crawford
Created for ETEC 540, University of British Columbia
Examples:
Consider which of the following is easier to read:
Condensed interletter spacing (-1.5) (Top)
Standard interletter spacing (0) (Middle)
Expanded interletter spacing (+1.5) (Bottom)
Although increasing interletter spacing is far from a guarantee of reading improvement (Reynolds & Walker, 2004), it may be beneficial for readers who struggle with word recognition. At the same time, it is important that the spacing not be increased too much, as doing so may eliminate the benefits (Perea & Gomez, 2004).
Continue to References & Contact Form
Site by Meggan Crawford
Created for ETEC 540, University of British Columbia