New Typeface to Help
Dyslexic Readers

Dyslexics who have trouble reading words online and in print may soon find relief in a new typeface being developed by a Dutch designer.

Unlike traditional typefaces, which reuse the same forms for multiple letters -- such as b and d, or p and q -- the Read Regular typeface makes each letter significantly unique so that dyslexics can more easily distinguish one character from another.

Additionally, Read Regular features simplified forms and extended openings in letters like c and e.

Without these enhancements, the traditional fonts used on the Web and in newspapers, books and magazines can contribute to letter-reversal errors and other problems commonly associated with visual dyslexia.

"Developing a solution for some symptoms and creating awareness regarding dyslexia and typography are two important things for me," said Read Regular designer Natascha Frensch, who is dyslexic herself. "From the start, Read Regular has been a personal journey, which, through encouragement from the people around me, has developed into a possible solution for others."

"All beginning readers make letter reversals," primarily before age 6, said John Stein, founder of the Dyslexia Research Trust. "However, 50 percent of child dyslexics at age 8 complain of visual problems including letter reversals."

Stein believes specialized typefaces can help combat the symptoms of dyslexia, especially if the fonts are used in large print and do not have serifs, the tiny lines that project from the bodies of letters in many common type styles.

Currently, many dyslexia-friendly websites use the sans-serif Arial typeface. But like other potentially problematic typefaces, Arial uses similar forms for the letters b and d, p and q, and u and n.

Some organizations, like the University of Edinburgh Disability Office, have tried using the Comic Sans typeface instead. But the thick and asymmetrical characters that make up Comic Sans often are considered to be too whimsical for professional use.

Frensch hopes publishers will see the Read Regular typeface as a more suitable alternative. "I hope it will find a variety of applications in education first," said Frensch, noting that her similar Read Space typeface was designed specifically for young readers.

"But if in using the typefaces people confirm that they are more effective, then I hope that mainstream publishers will also adopt Read Regular."

As part of her research for the Read Regular project, which she began nearly three years ago while studying for her master's degree at the Royal College of Art in London, Frensch tested her typefaces with nearly 100 dyslexic people.

The project is now being supported with help from the Audi Design Foundation and the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre at the Royal College of Art. Although the typeface is complete, Frensch says she still needs to iron out licensing and distribution details before it is made available to the public.

Meantime, she says she is working hard to respond to all the inquiries that she already has received about using Read Regular. "So far I have been able to manage replying and keeping up the work for making the typeface available, although I am not sure for how long this will be the case," she said. "I never imagined it would be so well received by so many."

By Amit Asaravala

Original article