Designer Luke Jones has isolated three important type use rules that is always a good idea to review.
In a piece for Medium, Luke cites these three tips as essential. We agree:
Tip 1 — Use Typographic Hierarchy To Give A Clear Sense Of The Structure Of A Page
Tip 2 — Use Vertical Spacing To Make Your Words Easier To Scan
Tip 3 — Adjust The Measure To Make Each Line Of Text More Comfortable To Read
In my own 2002, Pure Design (available free here) , I mentioned these, but also some other tips, which I have edited for current application in a more digital world:
—Fonts should be easy to read. Especially for text type, it is best to use type of 9 points or above.
—The font should include a well-designed condensed version.
—It is recommended that fonts chosen include an elegant italic. It helps with providing contrast.
-Fonts should be appropriate to the content and publication. Do not choose trendy fonts that may not age well—or read well!
Without a doubt, we are exposed to more letterforms today than ever. What young person in middle school is not already connected and writing text messages? I know my grandkids in that age group are. So, it is safe to say that typography——type fonts—is expected to perform more often, better and to sell more.
With “at a glance” journalism come extra demands for how type appears on the screen of those mobile devices and wearables. Clarity, spacing and aesthetics become ever more important, which is why Luke’s three tips are good to think about, even if you heard them long time ago.
Recommended:
Faces on the Edge: Type in the Digital Age Paperback – May, 1997
by Steven Heller
http://www.amazon.com/Faces-Edge-Type-Digital-Age/dp/0442022549
Type design enters the digital age
http://www.dw.com/en/type-design-enters-the-digital-age/a-15907567