Hate that Gray? Wash it Away!

Grey text can be difficult to read, as this excerpt from a window website demonstrates.

The use of gray type fonts is in vogue among many graphic designers. This, despite extensive research that demonstrates that contrast between characters and background is a key to readability. The challenges of using gray on paper is compounded when using gray text on a computer monitor, where background contrast is already diminished. To make matters worse, many designers use a medium gray font on a light gray background, further reducing contrast. Here is a simple demonstration:

The use of gray type fonts is in vogue among many graphic designers. This, despite extensive research that demonstrates that contrast between characters and background is a key to readability. The challenges of using gray on paper is compounded when using gray text on a computer monitor, where background contrast is already diminished. To make matters worse, many designers use a medium gray font on a light gray background, further reducing contrast. Here is a simple demonstration:

The use of gray type fonts is in vogue among many graphic designers. This, despite extensive research that demonstrates that contrast between characters and background is a key to readability. The challenges of using gray on paper is compounded when using gray text on a computer monitor, where background contrast is already diminished. To make matters worse, many designers use a medium gray font on a light gray background, further reducing contrast. Here is a simple demonstration:  

The use of gray type fonts is in vogue among many graphic designers. This, despite extensive research that demonstrates that contrast between characters and background is a key to readability. The challenges of using gray on paper is compounded when using gray text on a computer monitor, where background contrast is already diminished. To make matters worse, many designers use a medium gray font on a light gray background, further reducing contrast. Here is a simple demonstration:

The use of gray type fonts is in vogue among many graphic designers. This, despite extensive research that demonstrates that contrast between characters and background is a key to readability. The challenges of using gray on paper is compounded when using gray text on a computer monitor, where background contrast is already diminished. To make matters worse, many designers use a medium gray font on a light gray background, further reducing contrast. Here is a simple demonstration:

Least you think I am overstating the trend, take a look at the excerpt above from a stylish but hard to read website.

Remember, please, that many senior designers, myself included, no longer have such keen eyesight.

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UPDATE:  White text against a light background is also difficult to read.  For example, the following from www.MasterFormat.org:

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FURTHER UPDATE: I just had cataract surgery and can now see most of the gray fonts used on websites. But still, I argue for use of higher contrast typography. In contemporary architecture, we are compelled to create buildings that are accessible by those with disabilities. The same standard should apply to access to information.