Effects of Chinese Font Size and Space on Efficiency of VDT Single-line Text Reading

Abstract

This study investigated the factors which affect the single-line Chinese text reading efficiency on a visual display terminal (VDT) screen and in the end has given a reasonable suggestion. The efficiency of reading is dependent on how ergonomically the visual information is presented. A great quantity of investigations have shown that font size characteristics could affect readability. A detailed research of the influences of font size and space on efficiency for reading single Chinese information on a VDT screen has been carried out on young adults in this study, and reading speed as well as accuracy were used as two evaluation indicators to appraise reading efficiency. First, the calculation formula is obtained and the best range of Chinese font size and space is determined in a fixed reading distance under the VDT reading environment according to the classic theory of ergonomics. Then, Microsoft Word is used to assign a quantitative value to font size and space. Four sizes of fonts were used: 9, 10.5, 12 and 14 point, and all fonts were presented in 1, 2, 3 and 4 point spaces. In order to obtain simple and effective experimental combinations to reflect the results, an orthogonal experimental method is applied to design the experiment. Finally, the synchronous device is connected, and relevant data about reading time and accuracy is obtained by a record in E-prime 2.0 software. It shows, by statistical analysis, that the best combination for efficiently reading single Chinese information on a computer screen is 12 point font size and 2 point space. Furthermore, through further analysis, the best viewing angle is determined to be 21'. The outcome of this study will help as a guideline to all PC users, web page designers, information tips in public places so that readers can more easily grasp information accurately and rapidly.