Serif or Sans?

[Tony Rome]

I had no idea this was such a huge debate, but thanks to Google I see it is more like a war.
I am curious is this a younger/older generation preference or is one really better.
When I say better, I know it depends for what, so let's narrow it down...signage.

Let's say a sign for a storefront minimum size 4'x4' serif or sans.

Is one more professional. is one right, easier to read, what is your opinion, thanks.

 

[Gino]

Seriously, that's like asking a vegetarian what's better..... ?? Turkey Bacon or Chicken Sausage ??

it doesn't matter what someone thinks, it's all in your own head vs the customer's head.

Sometimes a good strong serif letter will look better than a sans serif letter. Mostly depends on which one chosen and the viewing distance. So many reasons will come into play, there is no easy answer.

As the computer age came along, the sans serif tends to be easier to read, as the corners of most letters are exaggerated with their little feet and hats, making for faster reading for most, so it's become much more popular. Block, gothic sans serif are still by far easier read from a distance. Proper kerning or extra kerning will make the various styles work or not. Beefing up the strokes will help either or style.

 

[Tony Rome]

Excellent post Gino, guess that's why you have the PhD.
I wasn't sure if there was a clear cut answer, you explained it well.
...and please pass the turkey bacon.

 

[Fred Weiss]

There is no solid answer as to the aesthetics. Every letter style, regardless of Serif, Sans Serif or other conveys a statement about the content. So that simply depends on client preferences and priorities as to formality, trustworthiness, friendliness, traditional, avant garde, etc.

With issues of legibility ... serifs, in general, create a flow for the eyes making larger blocks of text faster to read. With only a few words, sans serifs are cleaner and easier for the eye to pick up.

Medium weights are generally the most legible although bolder weights are more eye catching. Lighter weights convey more character.

Contrast, where strokes vary in width, reduce legibility the more they vary.

Height to width ratio is extremely important to legibility. An average ratio of .90 has been found to be ideal. This is to say that a 10" letter that is 9" wide is more legible than a similar font where the width is 7" or 11".

Helvetica Medium is the most legible font ever created. It has little to no stroke contrast and averages .90 height to width ratio. It is also boring and has found wide spread acceptance for identifying hospital emergency rooms.

One final thought is to avoid stretching or squeezing any font. Most professionally designed fonts are at their best for both legibility and aesthetics when left as designed.

 

[Stormyj]

Both. I mean Neither. Uh sometimes uh well, uh. Yea