CNIB announces Print Clarity Standards for all Canadians
Black
and white contrast, Arial or Times Roman, and matte paper finish
are among 10 recommendations for improved clarity and readability
June 20, 2006
TORONTO, June 20, 2006 - CNIB, Canada's primary provider of vision loss support programs and services, today launched Clear Print, the first formal print clarity standards for making printed materials more accessible to all Canadians, from fully sighted individuals to aging and low-vision readers. The standards were developed following an extensive international review of research into the variables that affect an individual's ability to easily consume print information.
"Whether designing a Web site or producing an instructional manual for a new product, there are some basic standards to be followed to ensure that your message is easily understood," said Dr. Jeff Jutai, Director of Research at CNIB and Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Western Ontario. "Print clarity standards should be a unifying issue for Canadians, particularly in light of the growing numbers within our population that are experiencing normal vision loss as a result of aging."
Clear Print identifies 10 variables that affect print clarity, including contrast (black and white is always best), most readable fonts (Arial and Times Roman top the list), paper finish (many readers are highly sensitive to glare), and size of type (the bigger the better). Other recommendations cover type colour, type heaviness, letter spacing, margins and columns, and design and simplicity.
"On one level, these recommendations will help everyone make more informed and universally effective design choices when producing printed materials," said Dr. Jutai. "However, we also want to raise awareness of the need for improved, print clarity standards on packaging, labels and other areas where safety and human health are at risk."
The release of Clear Print coincides with the unveiling of CNIB's new brand and visual identity, the result of the largest, national consultation ever undertaken by the 88-year old organization. The new brand was designed to better reflect the current mandate and activities being undertaken by CNIB.
"Canadians need to understand that CNIB plays an important role in the entire spectrum of activities related to vision and vision health - from research into the prevention of eye disease, to advocacy aimed at greater public access and equality, to public education related to eye health and safety, to client service for those experiencing significant vision loss," said Jim Sanders, President, CNIB. "Clear Print is a great example of how our work touches all Canadians."
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