MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Gizmodo article: How To Fix Today's Ebook readers

K-Thom · 04-25-2010, 06:29 AM

Nothing in general

but

keep in mind that typography sets the form of a text while the strengh of eBook (reading device)s is the flexibility.

On LCD screens fonts without serifs are much more readable than those with. One eInk screens it's a totally different reading experience. So who's to choose which font the THE right one? For which device?

Optimal page layout? It isn't a given with reflowable text. Some prefer to read in upright mode, others in landscape. The page layout changes completely. Any way to determine THE best layout? Nope.

Font size? Some fonts look good at 10, 11 or 12 pt. Now, what about readers with visual impairments who need to switch to 15, 16, or even 20 pt? Still sure that the chosen font in the chosen size is THE best solution?

So, for typography to be a valid issue for eBooks, typography itself has to evolve and to adapt to a new technology and reading experience.

But still, some things should/could be added to enhance the readability of an digital text with some due respect to typography.

1.) Hyphenation, and a good one. This will solve lots of problems.
2.) Addition of own fonts. No need to force readers to use just the built-in.
3.) A lot of different font sizes. Let the reader decide which size does suit him/her best.

04-25-2010, 06:29 AM	#25
K-Thom The one and only Posts: 3,302 Karma: 535819 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Berlin, Germany Device: yup!	Nothing in general but keep in mind that typography sets the form of a text while the strengh of eBook (reading device)s is the flexibility. On LCD screens fonts without serifs are much more readable than those with. One eInk screens it's a totally different reading experience. So who's to choose which font the THE right one? For which device? Optimal page layout? It isn't a given with reflowable text. Some prefer to read in upright mode, others in landscape. The page layout changes completely. Any way to determine THE best layout? Nope. Font size? Some fonts look good at 10, 11 or 12 pt. Now, what about readers with visual impairments who need to switch to 15, 16, or even 20 pt? Still sure that the chosen font in the chosen size is THE best solution? So, for typography to be a valid issue for eBooks, typography itself has to evolve and to adapt to a new technology and reading experience. But still, some things should/could be added to enhance the readability of an digital text with some due respect to typography. 1.) Hyphenation, and a good one. This will solve lots of problems. 2.) Addition of own fonts. No need to force readers to use just the built-in. 3.) A lot of different font sizes. Let the reader decide which size does suit him/her best. Last edited by K-Thom; 04-25-2010 at 06:34 AM.