In today's digital world, font design plays a crucial role in influencing reading efficiency and cognitive ease. This study explores the impact of font type (Times New Roman and Verdana) and line spacing (1.15 and 1.5) on reading errors and blink rates among 30 secondary school students (mean age 14). Blink rates were measured using the SMI RED eye-tracking system, and reading errors were manually recorded to assess cognitive load and ocular comfort. Times New Roman with 1.15 pt line spacing resulted in a mean reading error rate of 2.90 and 11.53 blinks per minute, while 1.5 pt spacing increased errors (3.20) but reduced blink rates (9.57). Verdana with 1.15 pt spacing showed a lower error rate (1.90) and 11.87 blinks, while 1.5 pt spacing further reduced errors (1.37) but increased blinks (12.37). There were significant correlations between blink rates and reading errors for Times New Roman at both spacings (r = 0.509, p = 0.004 for 1.15 pt; r = 0.419, p = 0.021 for 1.5 pt). For Verdana, significant correlations were found at 1.15 pt line spacing (r = 0.372, p = 0.043), while at 1.5 pt line spacing, (r = 0.332, p = 0.073). Verdana consistently reduced reading errors, suggesting its role in improving visual comfort. This study emphasizes the importance of font and spacing choices for readability, with Verdana at 1.5 pt offering the best performance. Future studies should expand the scope to other fonts and tasks to enhance understanding of text presentation's impact on reading and ocular health

Blink rates, Cognitive load, Font design, Ocular comfort, Reading errors, Reading performance

The findings of this study emphasize the significant influence of serif: Times New Roman and sans-serif: Verdana font design and line spacing 1.15pt and 1.5pt on reading performance and ocular comfort. Verdana, characterized by its simpler letterforms, demonstrated better readability, leading to fewer reading errors and suggesting a reduction in cognitive load when compared to Times New Roman. In contrast, Times New Roman, with its more complex design, was associated with a higher frequency of reading errors and blink rates, indicating greater visual strain. The observed relationship between reading errors and blink rates suggests that increased cognitive load or visual discomfort may result in more frequent blinking, likely as a compensatory mechanism to alleviate visual strain. These results align with previous research, further highlighting the importance of font selection to optimize readability and minimize visual discomfort. The implications of these findings are particularly relevant for environments that require prolonged reading, such as educational settings, workplaces, and digital interfaces. Careful consideration of font and line spacing selection is critical to enhancing reading efficiency and reducing the risk of visual strain, especially in contexts involving extensive or continuous reading tasks. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of different fonts and line spacings on ocular health and explore other typographic variables that may contribute to improved reading performance and comfort. Moreover, studies focusing on diverse populations, including individuals with visual impairments, could provide further insight into designing accessible and inclusive reading materials. These recommendations aim to advance understanding of the role of typography in promoting both reading efficiency and visual well-being

Nisha Arya, Shilpi Saraswat and Sudhanand Prasad Lal (2024). Impact of Font Type on Blink Rates and Reading Errors: A Comparative Study of Times New Roman and Verdana in Secondary School Students. International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 15(2): 50–55