In what way do font sizes affect document readability?

Font sizes play a crucial role in document readability, particularly because they depend on the audience's needs. Different audiences may have varying levels of comfort and familiarity with text, so selecting an appropriate font size can significantly enhance comprehension. For instance, larger font sizes can aid individuals with visual impairments or those who prefer clearer, more accessible text, while smaller font sizes may be suitable for technical documents aimed at professionals familiar with the content.

In addition, understanding the audience helps determine the purpose of the document and the context in which it will be used. For example, marketing materials would benefit from bolder, larger fonts to catch attention, while academic reports might employ smaller, more traditional sizes that suggest formality and support long reading sessions.

While fonts do contribute to a document's aesthetics and can affect printing costs, these factors don’t directly address the primary goal of enhancing readability based on audience needs. Similarly, the variability of font sizes according to document types is less about readability and more about formatting conventions. Thus, focusing on the audience's needs is key to effective communication and ensures that the content is accessible and engaging.