Fonts and typefaces less tolerated by dyslexics

The choice of fonts and typefaces plays a crucial role in the accessibility of written information, especially for people with dyslexia.

In this session, we will explore the fonts least tolerated by those who face reading challenges, highlighting how certain typographic styles can present significant obstacles in the reading and comprehension experience for people with dyslexia.

Negative Impact of Inappropriate Typography

• Difficulties in Character Identification: Inappropriate fonts can make it difficult to identify individual characters. This creates an additional challenge for people with dyslexia, who already face obstacles in the visual discrimination of letters and words.

• Increased Cognitive Load: Dyslexia-unfriendly typefaces can increase cognitive load, resulting in mental fatigue and demotivation for continuous reading.

Types of Fonts Less Suitable for People with Dyslexia

• Decorative Fonts: Fonts with elaborate ornaments and excessive decorative styles are less tolerated by people with dyslexia. The presence of embellishments can make it difficult to identify letters and increase visual confusion.

• Condensed or compressed fonts: Fonts that reduce the space between characters, known as condensed or compressed fonts, tend to increase visual confusion. The lack of clear separation between letters can make identification and visual discrimination difficult.

• Calligraphic Styles: Fonts that imitate calligraphic styles, with interconnected letters and italic forms, can present additional difficulties for people with dyslexia. The continuity of the strokes can confuse the perception of individual letters.

• Fonts with Excessive Serifs: Fonts with excessive serifs, the small lines or embellishments at the ends of the letters, can complicate the identification of letters for people with dyslexia. These additional details can generate unwanted visual distractions.

Specific Problems with Less Suitable Fonts

• Character Overlap: In some unsuitable fonts, character overlap can be a problem. People with dyslexia may have difficulty distinguishing overlapping characters, which affects readability and comprehension of the text.

• Confusion between Similar Letters: Fonts that do not clearly differentiate between similar letters, such as “b” and “d,” “p” and “q,” can increase confusion for people with dyslexia. The lack of distinction makes visual discrimination difficult.

Counterproductive for Children with Dyslexia

• Fonts with Childlike Styles: Although it may seem intuitive to use fonts with childlike styles for children with dyslexia, some of these typefaces can present additional difficulties. Excessive embellishments or unconventional shapes can increase visual confusion.

• Fonts with Stylized Letters: Fonts that excessively stylize letters, giving them unconventional shapes, can be counterproductive. Simplicity and clarity are key, and fonts that compromise these characteristics are less tolerated.

Lack of Adaptability in Font Size

• Adaptability Limitations: Some fonts may have limitations in size adaptability. The inability to adjust font size according to individual preferences can present additional diffi