An investigation into the effects of gloss and smoothness on legibility

This study on legibility takes a different approach than the studies that precede it. Standardized test targets (ISO Characters) were used as the measurement device instead of the various means used previously. This was done to keep the test more objective. Twelve papers of different gloss and smoothness values were tested with two groups--college students and senior citizens. These experiments were done under controlled conditions with the only variable being the paper. The average results from the legibility readings were correlated against the physical properties of the paper samples. The results of this study showed a 2 and 4% correlation between college students and smoothness and gloss respectively. No correlation could be obtained between senior citizens and gloss and smoothness. Here the ISO Characters did not work as a test of legibility but rather as a test of visual acuity