The effect of typeface and font size on reading text on a tablet computer for older and younger people

This study investigated the effect of typeface and font size on reading on tablet computers with younger and older participants in Thailand and the UK in Thai and English respectively. The effects of two typeface (serif and sans serif) and three font sizes (14, 16 and 18 point) were investigated. Participants skimmed read six texts and answered questions about each text. In both countries, reading time was significantly affected by font size but not by typeface and there were no differences between the age groups. 18 pt was significantly faster to read than 14 or 16 point. Comprehension was significantly better with larger and serif fonts in both countries. Participants in the UK rated the sans serif typeface easier and less tiring to read while Thai participants rated the serif font easier and less tiring to read. On overall preference, more than 50% of the UK participants chose 18 point sans serif, whereas more than 50% of Thai participants chose 18 point serif.