Perceived Readability Of Warning Labels With Varied Font Sizes And Styles

Warning readability is a major issue in the labeling of various consumer products. The purpose of the present research was to examine several variables that are associated with readability: font type, font weight, point size, and point size contrast between the signal word and the main body of the warning (signal word-text size difference). A sample of 40 undergraduate students and 22 elderly persons rated 24 Ultra Tide detergent labels that contained a warning which varied across all levels of the type form variables. A composite variable perceived readability was formed from the averaged ratings from questions regarding how likely they would read the warning, its salience, and readability. Results showed that Helvetica type was perceived to be more readable than Times or Goudy. Moreover, Times was perceived to be more readable than Goudy. Bold type was perceived to be more readable than roman type. There was greater perceived readability of the warning when the main body was printed in 10-point size when compared to 8-point size. Results also showed that a signal word-text size difference of 2 points was perceived as more readable than a difference of 4 points. Implications for warning design are discussed. © 1993