To enhance typeface legibility we studied how to improve
the design of individual letters. Three diff erent fonts
were created, each containing several variations of the
most frequently misrecognized letters. These variations
were tested both with distance and short exposure
methodologies. Creating variations within a typeface
avoided confounds that occur when letters from diff erent
typefaces are compared against each other. The studies
found that some variations were more legible than others
despite the letters within a font having similar size, weight,
and personality. The results showed that narrow letters
benefi t from being widened, and that x-height characters
benefi t from using more of the ascending and descending
area. These fi ndings can be used to improve the design of
future typefaces.