Packaging and Label Design Label Typography and Visual Hierarchy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended minimum font size for body copy on a consumer product label to ensure legibility?
- 6 pt (Correct answer)
- 3 pt
- 10 pt
- 14 pt
Correct answer: 6 pt
The FDA and industry standards generally recommend a minimum of 6 pt for body copy on consumer labels, though larger sizes improve readability.
Question 2: In label typography, what does 'leading' refer to?
- The vertical space between lines of text (Correct answer)
- The horizontal space between characters
- The thickness of letterstrokes
- The margin around a text block
Correct answer: The vertical space between lines of text
Leading is the distance measured from the baseline of one line of text to the baseline of the next.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a visual hierarchy on a product label?
- To guide the consumer's eye to the most important information first (Correct answer)
- To list ingredients in order of weight
- To organize legally required elements
- To match the brand's internal style guide
Correct answer: To guide the consumer's eye to the most important information first
Visual hierarchy uses size, color, weight, and placement to direct attention to key messages like brand name, product type, and claims.
Question 4: Which contrast ratio is recommended by WCAG for accessible text on packaging?
- 4.5:1 (Correct answer)
- 1:1
- 2:1
- 10:1
Correct answer: 4.5:1
WCAG 2.1 AA standard requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text to ensure readability for people with visual impairments.
Question 5: What is 'kerning' in label typography?
- Adjusting the space between specific pairs of characters (Correct answer)
- Setting the overall letter-spacing for a word
- Choosing a typeface weight
- Scaling the font size proportionally
Correct answer: Adjusting the space between specific pairs of characters
Kerning adjusts the optical spacing between specific character pairs to create even, visually balanced text.
Question 6: Which label panel is considered the 'principal display panel' (PDP) on a product?
- The panel most likely to be displayed or examined by consumers at point of sale (Correct answer)
- The panel with the nutrition facts
- The back panel with ingredient list
- The side panel with contact information
Correct answer: The panel most likely to be displayed or examined by consumers at point of sale
The PDP is defined by FDA regulations as the part of the label that is most likely to be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under customary conditions of display.
Packaging and Label Design Label Typography and Visual Hierarchy 1
What is the recommended minimum font size for body copy on a consumer product label to ensure legibility?