Informing the Design of an Accessible Arabic Typeface: A Visual Analysis to Identify Letterform Features of Dyslexia-Friendly Typefaces

Muneera Mohamed Hejres () and Amanda J. Tinker
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Muneera Mohamed Hejres: Department of Design and the Built Environment, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
Amanda J. Tinker: Department of Music and Design Arts, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK

Societies, 2024, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-27

Abstract: Dyslexia-friendly typefaces for the Latin script have been proliferating during the past decade. The typefaces are designed to tackle the challenges faced in a dyslexic reading experience by manipulating their letter forms and typographic attributes; several studies reported a positive effect on the reading experience. To this date, no working dyslexia-friendly Arabic typefaces are available for the public. The present study is part of a larger practice-based research, where a novel dyslexia-friendly Arabic typeface is designed using a user-centred design approach. The current visual analysis marks the developmental phase, identifying the letterform features of dyslexia-friendly Latin typefaces that can be mapped to the Arabic script. This article explores the typographic features of dyslexia-friendly Latin typefaces by conducting a qualitative visual analysis; a proposed modified version of Leeuwen’s Typographic Distinctive Features Framework is employed. The results are discussed considering the Arabic script’s visual implications in a dyslexic reading experience. The findings of this study are used to create a list of design considerations for a dyslexia-friendly Arabic typeface.

Keywords: type design; typeface design; accessible design; inclusive design; practice-based research; cross-script application; visual analysis; design research; Arabic type design; Arabic dyslexia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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