Designing For Dyslexia
BFA Thesis Project
Dyslexia affects 15-20% of the US population, designing accessibly isn’t optional; I believe it is essential. For my BFA Thesis Design project I created a research based formula that improves readability for dyslexic readers through thoughtful design strategies in typography, spacing, hierarchy, color, and layout. The design application for the project was to create an accessibility manual that walks the viewer through what dyslexia is, the do’s and do nots to improve readability for dyslexics, and provides useful document templates so that it is clear how to set up any information so that it is most optimized for dyslexics.
Project: BFA Thesis Project
Tools: Illustrator, Indesign
Role: Creative Director
The branding for designing for dyslexia represents the intersection of a dyslexic and a non-dyslexic perspective. The design is split into two halves: the blue side, featuring rigid, geometric lines, represents the non-dyslexic brain. Blue was chosen because of its strong association with corporate branding, which aligns with a significant portion of the target audience. The pink side, with soft, rounded shapes, represents the dyslexic brain. The vibrant pink provides a playful contrast to the blue, symbolizing the creativity and unique thinking often associated with dyslexic individuals.
Branding
Style Guide
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Style Guide 〰️
Visual Guidelines
Through the accessibility manual, the viewer is guided through examples of what is optimized for a dyslexic reader versus what is not, using clear visual comparisons and straightforward “do’s and do not’s” to demonstrate how to design materials that are more accessible. A simple system of check marks and X symbols helps clarify what works and what should be avoided. In addition, each spread includes an eye-catching visual element that directly relates to the topic being discussed. For example, the spread on the left focuses on type size, so the accompanying pattern is made up of the letter “M” repeated at different scales, simple yet poignant, reinforcing the concept while keeping the design visually engaging.
Accessibility Manual
Designing For Dyslexia Accessibility Manual
Sharing Designing for Dyslexia With the Community
Designing for Dyslexia was showcased at the Flagler College BFA Thesis Design Show. I was given the opportunity to share my project with the community and educate people on accessible design.