The influence of line spacing and text alignment on visual search of web pages

This research investigated the effects of text presentation on online behaviour and preferences in order to generate design guidelines for the production of web pages. Previous research has indicated that method of text presentation has a significant impact on usability. The present research found that varying text presentation had a significant effect on task performance, with wider line spacing leading to better accuracy and to faster reaction times. Left-aligned text led to better performance, although participants preferred justified text. Implications of these results for the design of web pages are discussed and recommendations given.