Dyslexie Typeface

Dyslexia is a common condition (up to 10% of the world’s population may be afflicted) where the brain flips, rotates, or switches letters, causing a disconnect between perception and processing.  Dutch designer (and dyslexic) Christian Boer has designed a typeface specifically for dyslexic people, with specific rules for the curve and layout of each letter.  “Dyslexie”, the name of the typeface, is a good illustration of the link between perception and processing because of what it can show us about the different ways dyslexics ‘see’ and mix up letters.

Dyslexia occurs when the brain processes visual information (most commonly text, and can be in both letters and numbers), and will flip the object in different ways.  Dyslexia is neither a vision disorder, nor a comprehension disorder – dyslexics are perfectly able to see, as well as comprehend (although obviously they may have trouble with ideas presented through text).  Brain mapping and activity scans have begun to show several differences in how the brains of dyslexics are organized.  Those who read my post on Synthesia may be interested to learn that dyslexics are also more often rated as being more creative and more intelligent, which is thought to be a result as having a differently wired brain.

When trying to read a regular font (for instance, the font I am using – Calibri), people with dyslexia will switch ‘twin letters’, and are unable to notice the difference, due to them being designed the same way.  For example, look at the letters b and d. They are vertical mirror images of each other; as are b and p on a horizontal scale.  Most fonts are designed this way on purpose for neatness, and people whose brains don’t flip letters around will have no trouble reading it.

In the dyslexie typeface, each letter is unique.  Having each letter be ‘bottom-heavy’ will prevent flipping.  You can see from looking at the example picture that b and d are no longer mirror images.  Slanting lines are also used to keep letters from looking the same when flipped, as well as varying thickness in the curves.  Height and width is also different in similar looking letters, and in some cases look completely different (lowercase q).   An entire typeface (bold, italic, numerals, roman, etc) is available and has been worked on by Boer since 2008.

Credit: Dazeem Magazine

I was very excited to read about this development, since I work with children with special needs (I focus on behavioral health, but obviously, behaviors are often triggered by co-occurring conditions).  It is my hope that the dyslexie typeface becomes much more used as it continues to gain visibility and press.  Imagine the difference it would make on a child’s education when they are able to take tests in a font that they can consistently read!  As different neurological and processing disorders continue to be researched, and ‘fixes’ can be laid out so clearly, as we can see in this typeface, perhaps we can continue making information more accessible to all.

 

Works Cited

Howarth, D. (9 November 2014). Christian Boer Designs Typeface for Readers With Dyslexia. Dezeen Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.dezeen.com/2014/11/09/christian-boer-dyslexie-typeface-dyslexia-easier-reading-istanbul-design-biennial-2014/

Lapkin, E. Understanding Dyslexia. Understood: For Learning and Attention Issues. Retrieved from: https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/understanding-dyslexia

 

One thought on “Dyslexie Typeface

  1. Erika Rashelle Arredondo

    The Dyslexie font is a great addition to the current aids available. It would be extremely useful to see academic books created in this font, given that over 40 million Americans suffer from dyslexia. Books that offer this font would not only help the reading skills of those who have this condition, but will also aid in the prevention of self esteem and depression in those who are having a hard time in school due to this condition.
    The unfortunate reality is that many confuse dyslexia as a condition that has to do with having a lower than average IQ, when the reality is more complex. Dyslexia is caused by a “simple signal-scrambling disturbance of both the inner-ear and cerebellar origin”. As a result, the normal thinking brain has a difficulty processing the scrambled signals received, which has nothing to do with how “smart” someone is per se. [1] Unfortunately, those who suffer from dyslexia often times end up feeling as those they are mentally lacking because they have difficulty in various subjects in school because of this condition and instead equate it to having a lower than average IQ.

    While dyslexia affects more than just the ability to read normally, kids who have a chance to become better readers through the use of this font, will gain a high self esteem and will have an easier time learning other techniques that will help them progress in other areas. This font combined with the other medical treatments, both holistic and non holistic, have been proven to drastically improve the condition 75-100% in patients, depending on the severity of their condition. The technology and understanding of dyslexia has really come a long way thanks to individuals such as Dr. Harold Levinson, and dsylexie / “bottom heavy” font creators like Alberto Gonzalez, and Christian Boer. These individuals have not only come up with progressive treatments but have also greatly contributed to our understanding of this very common condition, in order to improve the lives of many.

    1. “New Understanding and Treatment for Dyslexia Revealed by The Levinson Medical Center for Learning Disabilities.” PRWeb. 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 6 Dec. 2014. .

Leave a Reply