Design for dyslexia
Our designers have been exploring how creative typography can help people with dyslexia and make it easier for them
Contributors: Andy Culshaw, Steph Gathercole, Alexandra Loveday
Our designers have been exploring the idea of how creative typography can help support people with dyslexia and make it easier for them to link and interpret written information.
In the UK, dyslexia affects as many as 1 in 10 individuals, presenting a learning difficulty that can impact reading and writing abilities. Typically, the signs of dyslexia become apparent early in a child's education. These signs may include reading or writing slowly, confusing visually similar letters, mixing up the order of letters within words, or struggling to retain large amounts of written information at once.
We explore here the transformative potential of using visual cues within typography to help individuals with dyslexia create stronger connections between written information and the underlying concepts.
The premise is simple yet profound: typography can transcend its conventional role and become a tool to enhance reading experiences, fostering comprehension for people with dyslexia. Creative typographic elements such as colours, shapes, sizes, and spatial arrangements can become a visual signpost, guiding the reader's focus and enabling a better understanding of the content.
Individuals with dyslexia, who may grapple with disconnection between words and meaning, can become empowered to navigate written material more confidently and engage with content differently. The integration of creative typography in educational settings, literature, and other forms of written communication, enables equal engagement and comprehension for individuals with dyslexia. It paves the way for a more inclusive society, where dyslexia does not constitute a barrier to fully participating in the exchange of ideas, in all its forms.
By harnessing the power of design, we can augment written language to address the needs of people with dyslexia, transforming their reading experiences. The written word becomes then more accessible, and acts as a conduit to improved understanding, connection, and empowerment.