But what makes a text really readable? We put that question to a designer from RTV Drenthe, Pieter Jan Emmerick. He says that contrast is especially important, so he believes that a dark background with light letters on top is very easy to read. “The font size is also important, but it is mainly about the contrast. You can also see that with the traffic signs: often red with white and black, very clear. The point is that it is quiet, nice for the eye, so yellow on white for example, that is really not possible.”
Parties involved in the development of the signs at the station are the Eye Association and Koninklijke Visio, the expertise center for visually impaired and blind people. Spokesman Roy Kleise of the latter organization states that he has only had positive reactions about the new signs at the station. “The big difference is that the light now comes from the letter itself,” says Kleise. “Previously, the background of the signs was light and travelers had a box of light over them, but now people with eye problems can see what is on the sign from a greater distance, which is a huge progress.” Kleise does state that there are undoubtedly people who need to get used to it.
The Eye Association also says that it is very happy with the new signs. “We have done extensive testing and people with an eye condition clearly experience less light, much more peace and quiet when reading, so that is a good thing,” said a spokesperson.
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