As a practitioner focused on creating great outcomes for children, it is essential to base our approaches on data-driven decisions. The recent study titled "Inter-letter spacing, inter-word spacing, and font with dyslexia-friendly features: testing text readability in people with and without dyslexia" offers valuable insights into how font design can impact reading skills, particularly for children with dyslexia. This blog aims to distill the key findings from this research and provide actionable recommendations for practitioners.
Understanding the Research
The study investigated the effects of three typographical variables—letterform, inter-letter spacing, and inter-word spacing—on reading accuracy and speed. The researchers worked with two groups of children: those with dyslexia and those without. The children read texts presented in various conditions, including different combinations of standard and dyslexia-friendly fonts, as well as varied inter-letter and inter-word spacing.
Key Findings
The study yielded several important findings:
- Letterform: The data showed no significant effect of letterform on reading speed or accuracy for both groups of children.
- Inter-Letter Spacing: Increased inter-letter spacing, when not paired with increased inter-word spacing, actually impaired reading speed.
- Inter-Word Spacing: Increased inter-word spacing improved reading speed, particularly when combined with increased inter-letter spacing.
- Interaction Effects: The combination of increased inter-letter and inter-word spacing was more beneficial than modifying either variable alone.
Actionable Recommendations for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some practical recommendations to improve reading outcomes for children with dyslexia:
- Focus on Spacing: Rather than investing in specialized dyslexia-friendly fonts, prioritize adjusting inter-letter and inter-word spacing in the texts used for reading exercises.
- Combine Spacing Adjustments: Ensure that any increase in inter-letter spacing is accompanied by a proportional increase in inter-word spacing to facilitate better reading speed and comprehension.
- Individualized Approaches: While the study provides general guidelines, remember that each child is unique. Monitor and adjust the spacing based on individual performance and comfort.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study offers significant insights, the field of dyslexia and font design is still evolving. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and consider participating in studies that further investigate the interplay between typographical features and reading skills. Collaborative efforts can lead to more refined and effective interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Inter-letter spacing, inter-word spacing, and font with dyslexia-friendly features: testing text readability in people with and without dyslexia.
