Inclusive design: dyslexia‑friendly web choices
Introduction. Designing for dyslexia is not a niche concern; it boosts readability, accessibility, and SEO for everyone. This article walks you through the most effective visual and content strategies that reduce reading strain while keeping your site engaging. We’ll cover typography, layout, color contrast, navigation cues, and testing methods. By applying these techniques, developers and designers can create web experiences that feel natural to dyslexic users without sacrificing style or functionality. The result is a more inclusive brand that reaches wider audiences and meets regulatory standards.
Typography choices that ease reading
Selecting the right typeface and setting helps readers parse words quickly. Dyslexia‑friendly fonts, such as Open Sans or Raleway, use distinct glyph shapes and generous x‑heights. Pair them with a line height of 1.5 to give characters breathing room. Avoid all caps for body text, as uppercase letters create visual noise. Keep the font size above 16px on desktop and 14px on mobile to prevent forced zooming.
- Use sans‑serif fonts with clear letterforms to reduce confusion.
- Set line spacing to at least 1.5 to separate words visibly.
Layout and spacing that guide the eye
A clean, modular grid keeps information organized. Break content into short paragraphs of no more than 90 characters each, and insert visual separators such as icons or subtle borders. Align text left‑justified; right alignment can distort word shapes for dyslexic readers. Reserve ample white space around blocks to avoid a cluttered look.
| Item | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Left‑justified text | Consistent baseline flow | Eases word tracking |
| High contrast colors | Improves legibility | Reduces eye strain |
| Short paragraphs | Limits cognitive load | Encourages completion of reading |
Color contrast and visual cues
Apply a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 between text and background, following WCAG guidelines. Avoid using color alone to convey meaning; add icons or underlines for links. For backgrounds, choose muted tones like light gray or soft blue instead of harsh whites that can flicker. When presenting lists, use bullet points with a clear symbol such as a circle or square to help readers locate each item quickly.
Navigation that feels intuitive
Place primary navigation at the top of the page and keep it short—no more than six items. Use descriptive labels instead of generic terms like “Products.” Include a sticky header so users never lose their place. Add breadcrumb trails on deeper pages to show context, and ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible with clear focus states.
Testing and feedback loops
Deploy a quick usability test with a small group of dyslexic participants using screen recording tools. Observe where they pause or skip content. Use analytics to track bounce rates on key pages; a sudden drop after implementing dyslexia‑friendly changes signals success. Iterate based on both qualitative observations and quantitative data.
Conclusion. Adopting dyslexia‑friendly design principles elevates your website for all users, not just those with reading challenges. By choosing accessible fonts, clear layouts, high contrast colors, and intuitive navigation, you create a smoother browsing experience that retains visitors longer. Start today by auditing one page—apply these tweaks, test, and refine. The result will be a more inclusive brand that stands out in search rankings and user satisfaction alike.
Image by: Anna Tarazevich
