Glanceable, legible typography over complex backgrounds. Issue 7 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sawyer, Ben D.; Wolfe, Benjamin; Dobres, Jonathan; Chahine, Nadine; Mehler, Bruce; Reimer, Bryan
• Is Part Of: Ergonomics. Volume 63:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 864
• Page End: 883
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Perception -- vision and lighting -- environmental ergonomics -- information displays -- human-machine systems -- mixed reality virtual environments human-computer interaction; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Cybernetics -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; Ergonomie -- Périodiques; Cybernétique -- Périodiques; Gestion d'entreprise -- Périodiques; 620.8205
• DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1758348
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-0139

Abstract

Abstract: Modern digital interfaces display typeface in ways new to the 500 year old art of typography, driving a shift in reading from primarily long-form to increasingly short-form. In safety-critical settings, such at-a-glance reading competes with the need to understand the environment. To keep both type and the environment legible, a variety of 'middle layer' approaches are employed. But what is the best approach to presenting type over complex backgrounds so as to preserve legibility? This work tests and ranks middle layers in three studies. In the first study, Gaussian blur and semi-transparent 'scrim' middle layer techniques best maximise legibility. In the second, an optimal combination of the two is identified. In the third, letter-localised middle layers are tested, with results favouring drop-shadows. These results, discussed in mixed reality (MR) including overlays, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), considers a future in which glanceable reading amidst complex backgrounds is common. Practitioner summary: Typography over complex backgrounds, meant to be read and understood at a glance, was once niche but today is a growing design challenge for graphical user interface HCI. We provide a technique, evidence-based strategies, and illuminating results for maximising legibility of glanceable typography over complex backgrounds. Abbreviations: AR: augmented reality; VR: virtual reality; HUD: head-up display; OLED: organic light-emitting diode; UX: user experience; MS: millisecond; CM: centimeter