Scott Rossi wrote:

> IMO, that's a valid standard. And studies have been done that
> determine
> lines of (English) text that span around 8 to 11 words per line are
> most
> "comfortable" to read. When line lengths exceed this threshold,
> folks begin
> to lose their place in text when reading from the end of one line to
> the
> beginning of the next. So "HD" sites with ultra-wide paragraphs are
> more
> difficult to read.


Good point on optimal widths, Scott. I read a similar study on
readability that suggested 1.5 alphabets was the optimal width for
reading, but with modern print quality, 2 alphabets was okay. Anything
beyond that pushes the readers ability to keep their place.

This has gotten me into arguments with designers and usability wonks,
the latter tending to insist on letting the user determine things like
how wide their text margins will be. Seems more like an empowerment
thing than true usability.

I have a 28" monitor but I rarely maximize my viewport unless it's all
graphic and no narrative text.

Marcus Duke
Webmaster/Information Specialist
UW Aquatic & Fishery Sciences

Non cogito, ergo nihil sum. Ergo, qua me vexo?


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