I didn't vote you down, but people are probably considering the difference between design and aesthetics/taste. Design should be a solution to a problem.
In this case, the problem as defined is readability. Having lines of text one after the other with no leading (line-spacing) can be difficult to read.
Having text that's too wide requires you to turn your head which can be uncomfortable.
Text that's too small can be... too small. The article was arguing for an optimal font size which may or may not be correct, but the argument was that 16pt/72dpi font is effectively the same size as most printed books, which are optimized for reading.
Text with poor contrast — light gray on gray is going to be difficult to read no matter the subject matter.
His individual arguments may be wrong (although I don't think they are), but the scope of design, for a given problem can be more absolute than just taste or aesthetics.
Taste is more about liking 10pt fonts even if you're designing for something to be readable.
Thanks. I agree for the most part. But, I think the font choice/spacing here at HN for instance, works for a tech forum, whereas it might not be as optimal for articles or poetry.
I guess I am saying that content and audience can define the problem you you are trying to solve. It could vary for that reason.
In this case, the problem as defined is readability. Having lines of text one after the other with no leading (line-spacing) can be difficult to read.
Having text that's too wide requires you to turn your head which can be uncomfortable.
Text that's too small can be... too small. The article was arguing for an optimal font size which may or may not be correct, but the argument was that 16pt/72dpi font is effectively the same size as most printed books, which are optimized for reading.
Text with poor contrast — light gray on gray is going to be difficult to read no matter the subject matter.
His individual arguments may be wrong (although I don't think they are), but the scope of design, for a given problem can be more absolute than just taste or aesthetics.
Taste is more about liking 10pt fonts even if you're designing for something to be readable.