For those with dyslexia, the simple task of reading a webpage can be a real challenge. Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that can make it difficult to read, write and spell.
But now hopefully all of that won't be as hard. Dutch graphic designer Christian Boer has created a typeface called Dyslexie specifically designed to make it easier for those with dyslexia to recognize letters.
Fonts are traditionally designed with the aesthetic in mind, and the design of many letters is based off of other letters, such as "m" and "n," which makes it difficult for people with dyslexia to distinguish between them. People with dyslexia often treat letters as 3-D objects, and that means they switch and rotate letters around when they see them, turning a "d" into a "p," for instance.
The Dyslexie typeface solves that problem by making each letter more distinct. Some letters, such as "d," get a more pronounced base. Others, such as "h," get a longer stem at the top. And some letters are slanted slightly, such as "j."
"By changing the shape of the characters so that each is distinctly unique, the letters will no longer match one another when rotated, flipped or mirrored," Boer said in an interview with Dezeen. "Bolder capitals and punctuation will ensure that users don't accidentally read into the beginning of the next sentence."
Boer, who is dyslexic himself, originally designed the typeface as part of his thesis project in 2008. He asked eight other dyslexics, whom he didn't know, to help him perfect the letterforms, which took four rounds of design. Since then, he has presented the font in a TED talk in 2011, and it is currently on display at the Istanbul Design Biennial until Dec. 14. You can also download Dyslexie now for free home use through its official website. After downloading the font, users can use it to type, print documents and browse the web.
Approximately 20 percent of Americans are dyslexic, according to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. In a survey conducted in 2012, children and adults with dyslexia who used the font were able to read faster and make fewer mistakes. Independent studies from the University of Twente and the University of Amsterdam have also backed up these claims, according to Dyslexie's website.
Since Boer made Dyslexie available for free to individual users last June, 12,000 people have downloaded it, he told Slate. He also said Dyslexie is being used in companies, such as Pixar, Nintendo and Citibank. The font is also available in select books and e-books.
Image: Dyslexie Font / Vimeo
