The Effect of Text Information Frame Ratio and Font Size on the Text Readability of Circle Smartwatch

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine frame ratio of text information and font size in the circle smartwatch. Background: Recently, electronic manufacturers try to develop the original metaphor of traditional wrist watch (circle) in terms of smartwatch. They endeavor to break the square display in order to improve emotional customer satisfaction. Method: The experiments examined twenty level of text information design, combinations of four frame ratios (1:1, 4:3, 16:9, 21:9) and five font sizes (6pt, 7pt, 8pt, 9pt, 10pt). Nineteen participants volunteered for the experiment. Dependent variables were WPM (Words per Minute), reading preference, design preference and total preference. Furthermore, small circle display was made by using circle display data (1.3inch), which was exhibited in IFA (International Funkausstellung) 2014. Results: As a result, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) revealed that WPM, and task time preference affect the specific frame ratio and font size. Results of ANOVA for reading preference, design preference, total preference were grouped by post-analysis LSD (Least Significant Difference). Among users, display ratio (16:9, 21:9), and font size (9pt) were preferred. In conclusion, 16:9 display ratio and 9pt are adaptable for text information in 1.3inch circle display. Conclusion: From the study, it is shown that 16:9 display ratio and 9pt size are more adaptable for text information in 1.3inch circle display than others. It is mainly due to the fact that the order of frame ratio and font size may affect the usability of reading long text information in a small circle display. Therefore, when developers design a circle display, the square frame ratio and font size are required to be considered according to circle size. Application: The 16:9 display ratio and 9pt font size may be utilized as a text information frame in the circle display design guideline for smartwatch.