Adrian Roselli, pH0

Updated my 2015 post on typefaces for dyslexia with the DysTitles subtitle font making the rounds lately:
https://adrianroselli.com/2015/03/typefaces-for-dyslexia.html#Update14

Attached is a set of all characters, and a comparison of the source font swapped on the maker’s site.

#accessibility #a11y

Typefaces for Dyslexia

Both typefaces claim that heavier strokes on the bottom prevent dyslexic readers from flipping the letters when viewing them. The original caption: A heavier bottom is used to show which way is supposed to be down. I’ve been writing this post in fits, so it may be a bit disjointed.…

Adrian Roselli
May 3, 2023 at 1:36amWeb
Show threadMyndexMay 3, 2023

@aardrian

DysTitles so shockingly bad I can only assume that severe cognitive dissonance is somehow behind it, as in maybe those weren't truffles for lunch, but "special truffles"....

Or something.

Here's what the real actual research says:

1) Dyslexia is a language issue not a visual issue.

2) Dyslexics need good contrast an appropriate white space, not junk pseudoscience crazy fonts.

3) The comparison images are examples of bad design.
---

IMO, DysTitles is beyond ridiculous.

Show threadChristopher Kirk-NielsenMay 3, 2023

@aardrian Hi, Frenchie here. Gave it a quick look and didn't find any research references in French.

At first I thought this was supposed to be a "here's a font for neurotypical people to experience what someone with dyslexia might experience with a classic font", but no, it's actually supposedly better? I'm neurotypical so not the target here, but I have a feeling pairs like r/t or b/6 are easy to confuse at smaller sizes. Would love some actual research shown besides a few testimonials. 😬

Show threadAdrian Roselli, pH0May 3, 2023

@chriskirknielsen I feel a little better about my ability to find stuff (or not).

I would love some research as well, or at least pointers to supporting data. But nope.

Show threadDan JonesMay 3, 2023

I don't understand how that font can be easy for anyone to read. That last image you posted is completely unreadable to me.

Am I misunderstanding something here?

@aardrian

Show threadAdrian Roselli, pH0May 3, 2023
@danjones000 I genuinely do not know if it is easier for some folks. Other than loose testimonials, there is no data that tells me if I am misunderstanding what appears to me to be illegible.