In general, we use white text on dark backgrounds (blues, black/greys, etc). Our work is most often projected with lights dimmed, sometimes printed on huge boards. One of our clients, a color science/vision expert states that our "color polarities are reversed" and that "the human eye apparently can discern small dark text against light backgrounds more easily. I remember in art school that light on dark was hammered into our heads. My CEO is always concerned about contrast and readability. We've been doing white on darks for years and now there's a huge discussion about changing our default.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I've been doing some research and the opinion of what's better in terms of readability is split 50/50.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I've been doing some research and the opinion of what's better in terms of readability is split 50/50.
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New Mexico
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Re: Text: White on Black or Black on White?
Sat, February 2, 2008 - 9:21 AMI vote for dark on light, partly because I was "raised" on the notion that it's more readable, but I have other reasons to favor dark on light:
1. Less chance of the background eating away at thinner fonts onscreen or print.
2. More forgiving with printing problems like plate shift or over inking.
3. Easier on the eyes of the elderly?
4. It's a more conventional transaction with readers, so, less hesitation on the part of the reader and a qicker comprehensive about how to read.
Although, there's a time for everything, but I hafta side with your CEO, sorry. I hate it when the execs are right.
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Re: Text: White on Black or Black on White?
Tue, February 5, 2008 - 8:33 PMCouple of points to consider ...
Print vs screen makes a difference, as does the general surrounding lighting (which is related to the print vs screen question). For projection in dim environments, go light on dark, so that there is one contrast (text to rest), not two (text to background to rest). For well lit environments, go the other way around. (This has the added benefit or drawback, take your pick, of needing to design twice the material.)
Always stay away from extremes (e.g. pure white vs pure black). Tone them down towards each other a little.
You will not get universal agreement, so no matter who you choose, some reader or some executive will disagree. Plan for it.
Ignore the art school advice. That's art, not graphic design.
