Is it possible for an individual with dyslexia to read better by using a special font? A Dutch design studio called studio studio has come up with one.

Letters are made to look heavier at the bottom by virtue of thicker lines, for instance, making it easier to recognize their true orientation. The differences among letters — such as their openings, extensions and slant — are also exaggerated to make distinguishing them easier. Capital letters and punctuation, meanwhile, are rendered in bold to make the beginnings and endings of sentences more clear. The result of those changes to Dyslexie’s letters, as well as adjustments to the spacing and layout, StudioStudio says, is better reading, confirmed by independent research results

It sounds like a great idea. I wonder how extensively it has been tested? It would be great if a simple shift in font could help people with dyslexia read more easily and with fewer errors. For dyslexics, some thought has also been given to considerations in web design as well.

I wonder if font design can also improve reading speed and comprehension among readers who do not have dyslexia as well? For instance, is it better to have a novel published in serif or sans serif fonts? This is an argument that appears to be far from settled.  It would be interesting to have this discussion with people in the advertising business, where success or failure of a campaign means money in the bank or empty coffers. I’d like to understand how much font choice can influence behaviour and the mechanics of all that.