Discusses studies involving over 400 participants to investigate reader preferences for typographic settings of the subheadings and overall position and layout of abstracts on a 2-column A4 page. Results suggest readers preferred subheadings in bold capital letters, a line-space above the main headings, and for abstracts to be centered over the…

Discussion of page design for desktop publishing focuses on the importance of functional issues as opposed to aesthetic issues, and criticizes a previous article that stressed aesthetic issues. Topics discussed include balance, consistency in text structure, and how differences in layout affect the clarity of "The Declaration of…

Describes five experiments that explored preferences for pages of instructional text that varied in terms of their layout, their wording, or both of these features. (HOD)

In response to Robin Kinross' review of "Designing Instructional Text," support is given for the use of new ways of presenting instructional text in a cost-effective manner. (RAO)

The marks awarded to 130 second year undergraduate word processed essays were assessed in relation to their use of different typographic features. By and large most of these features had little effect on the essay grades. However, essays printed in 12-point type gained significantly higher marks (mean = 56.8) than essays printed in 10-point type…

This paper presents guidelines for improving instructional text under three main headings: prose and grammatical features; tables and graphs; and typographical design. The paper has been printed in such a way as to illustrate the points made. (Author)

Reports on two studies of the effect of different typographic settings on the speed and accuracy of responses to cloze procedure reading tests. Concludes that in-text responding and dashes produce significantly higher scores. (SRT)

Results of a study involving approximately 500 sixth and seventh graders suggest that a two-column layout with traditional paragraphing denotation is more readable than a single-column layout, but that an extreme line length does not place an undue strain on the reader. (Examples of the two formats are included.) (GT)

A series of studies was conducted to: (1) examine the effects of headings on both recall (a memory task) and retrieval (a search task) from the same text; and (2) distinguish between retrieval from unfamiliar text and retrieval from familiar text. Pupils aged between 14 and 15 years of mixed reading ability took part in six separate studies, each…

General guidelines for the writers of instructional materials are provided, with emphasis on clarity in the presentation of textual information and related graphic aids. Some basic points about typographic planning are presented for typographers and printers, as well as writers, and it is suggested that some typographic practices may actually…

Examination of how far research work on the design of printed text can inform research on the design of electronic text centers on three areas: the layout of instructional text, the role of typographic cueing, and the presentation of graphic materials. Future research needs are discussed, and 101 references are provided. (LRW)

Three groups of university students read a passage with a beginning summary, an end summary, or no summary at all. Results showed that the end summary led to significantly better recall scores. Further research is suggested, using different types of summaries and texts, and different methods of recall. (Author/SJL)

Reports some of the current research taking place in Great Britain on designing text for visually impaired readers. Topics discussed include large print; Braille; instructional videotapes and how they can be improved; and developments in electronic text, including reformatting, compact disks, and electronic newspapers. (18 references) (LRW)

Reviews research literature on the design of text for older readers. Topics include improving typographically simple layouts through the use of larger type, more readable text, clearer layouts, and summaries, headings and signals; and improving typographically complex texts such as income tax forms, diagrams, and procedural instructions. (31…