Design approaches to improve Thai font legibility by clarifying idealistic key features using a blur simulation
method have been proposed. Specifically, the jutting out of the tail of characters and inclusion of a loop-with-serrated-line,
together with sufficient character width, have been found to improve legibility. In the current study, a set of four homologous
characters was presented to the parafoveal region with a short-exposure methodology to display the characters with low visual
acuity. Overall, the results revealed that most of the chosen idealistic key features enhanced the legibility of characters
presented in parafoveal vision. However, the detailed results revealed variation in the amount of confusion between letter pairs
for each tested character. These findings suggest the need for several practical improvements by modifying the specific features
of each letter. Although the results of the short-exposure and blur simulation approaches differed at times, the findings of both
studies suggest possibilities for developing optimal letterforms using a combination of both methodologies.
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Mackeben, M.
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Nakano, Y., Yamamoto, R., Arai, T., Inoue, S., Hayashi, K., Takata, Y., & Handa, A.
(2010) Development of a “universal design” font with blur tolerance (1): A comparison of the readability of Ming, Gothic, and “universal design” typefaces. 3rd International Conference for Universal Design. Hamamatsu: International Association for Universal Design (IAUD).
Panasonic Corporation
(2017) Panasonic universal design book. Retrieved April 15, 2018, from [URL]
Phillips, J. R., Johnson, K. O., & Browne, H. M.
(1983) A comparison of visual and two modes of tactual letter resolution. Perception & Psychophysics, 34(3), 243–249.
Punsongserm, R.
(2012a) Viewpoint of using a roman-like typeface: Disappearance of singularity and legibility. Humanities Journal, 19(1), 113–145. (In Thai).
Punsongserm, R.
(2012b) Typographic errors: Common mistakes of Thai typography influenced on reading. The Fine and Applied Arts Journal, 7(1), 61–80. (In Thai).
Punsongserm, R.
(2015) Legibility and readability of roman-like Thai typeface. The Fine and Applied Arts Journal, 10(1), 99–128. (In Thai).
Punsongserm, R., Sunaga, S., & Ihara, H.
(2015) The typeface priority of Thai characters for identification: Studying based on blurring tests. 2015 Annual Conference of the 5th Branch of JSSD (71–72). Fukuoka: Kyushu University.
Punsongserm, R., Sunaga, S., & Ihara, H.
(2017a) Thai typefaces (Part 1): Assumption on visibility and legibility problems. Archives of Design Research, 30(1), 5–23.
Punsongserm, R., Sunaga, S., & Ihara, H.
(2017b) Thai typefaces (Part 2): Criticism based on legibility test of some isolated characters. Archives of Design Research, 30(2), 23–45.
Punsongserm, R., Sunaga, S., & Ihara, H.
(2018) Effectiveness of the homologous thai letterforms on visibility under a simulated condition of low visual acuity. 11th International Conference Typography Day 2018. Mumbai: Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art.
Rattanakasamsuk, K.
(2013) Elderly vision on legibility of Thai letters presented on LED panal. ACA2013 Thanyaburi: Blooming Color for Life (70–73). Thanyaburi: Asia Color Association and Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi.
Rayner, K., Schotter, R. E., Masson, E. J. M., Potter, C. M., & Treiman, R.
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Sanford, E. C.
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(2003) Dynamic legibility of standard Thai fonts on traffic highway sign. 6th Asian Design International Conference. Tsukuba: Tsukuba International Congress Center.
Tinker, M. A.
(1928) The relative legibility of letters, the digits, and of certain mathematical signs. Journal of General Psychology, 11, 472–496.
Tinker, M. A.
(1963) Legibility of print. Iowa: Iowa State University Press.
Waleetorncheepsawat, B., Pungrassamee, P., Obama, T., & Ikeda, M.
(2012) Visual acuity of Thai letters with and without cataract experiencing goggles. Journal of the Color Science Association of Japan, 361, 216–217.
Waleetorncheepsawat, B., Pungrassamee, P., Ikeda, M., & Obama, T.
(2013) Proper-sized Thai letters on different background contrasts and illumination environment suitable for elderlies. ACA2013 Thanyaburi: Blooming Color for Life (74–77). Thanyaburi: Asia Color Association and Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi.
2020. Comparative Effectiveness of Homologous Thai Letterforms on Visual Word Recognition: Thai Universal Design Font versus Familiar Thai Text Fonts. Archives of Design Research 33:3 ► pp. 19 ff.
Punsongserm, Rachapoom
2023. Effectiveness of Predominant Letterforms in Multi-Viewing Distances: Thai Universal Design Font Versus Familiar Thai Text Fonts. Archives of Design Research 36:4 ► pp. 87 ff.
Punsongserm, Rachapoom & Pittaya Suvakunta
2022. Optimal Typeface and Type Size on Thai Drug Labeling and Drug Documentation: A Recommendation for Legal Development. Archives of Design Research 35:4 ► pp. 49 ff.
Punsongserm, Rachapoom & Pittaya Suvakunta
2022. Do the Small Thai Font Sizes on Drug Labels and Documentation Facilitate Thai Readers? A Practical Review . Archives of Design Research 35:1 ► pp. 51 ff.
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 29 february 2024. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers.
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