Kiandra Insights

Designing for users with dyslexia

Cassie Wallace - Kiandra Head of Software Development
by
Cassie Wallace
Head of Software Development
|
November 2, 2022
Cassie Wallace
Head of Software Development
November 2, 2022
Designing for users with dyslexia - a Kiandra series on how develop software with accessible design

Dyslexia is estimated to affect some 10% of the Australian population. Although this may be a conservative estimate as many people are left undiagnosed.

People with dyslexia have trouble matching the letters they see on the page with the sounds those letters and combinations of letters make. And when they have trouble with that step, all the other steps are harder.

Therefore, people with dyslexia typically have trouble reading fluently and often read slowly and make mistakes. This can have an impact on how well they comprehend what they read.

Accessibility for dyslexia

According to the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI): "Cognitive and learning disabilities impact how people process information. For example, they can affect people’s perception, memory, language, attention, problem-solving, and comprehension."

In digital accessibility, dyslexia is often overlooked as the focus tends to be on vision- and hearing-related disabilities. However, learning disorders can also affect online experiences and certainly deserve consideration. We’ve put together a list of what to be aware of when designing for users with dyslexia.

Designing for those with dyslexia:

  • Allow the user to customise their view for their preferences e.g., colours, fonts and text size.
  • Use a sans-serif font as these are easier to read for individuals with dyslexia.
  • Use a larger font size, a minimum of 16 pixels.
  • Reinforce text with icons or visual cues so a reader can scan a page without reading all the text.
  • User dark grey instead of black on a white background as this is easier on the eye.
  • Left justify your text.
  • Have multiple navigation options so there are a variety of ways to get to the same place.
  • Provide a site map (predictably at the bottom of the page) to give all users the chance to see all options and to choose where they want to go next.
  • Make your content clear, and concise and use short sentences and text areas.
  • Provide information in numbered or bulleted lists as these are predictable and easily digestible.
  • Maximum line length should be 80 characters.
  • Avoid italics and underlines and use bold text for emphasis instead.
  • Avoid carousels and rotating text and give users an opportunity to read and digest information at their own pace.
  • If you provide a search bar, ensure that it is equipped to handle misspellings.

We have created an infographic to help illustrate what to be aware of when designing and developing for people with dyslexia: Designing for users with dyslexia

If you are keen to reach more people by making your digital assets more accessible, Contact Us today and we can help you make this happen.

Share article
LinkedIn.com

More insights

Illustration of two hands reaching out for a handshake, depicted in a halftone style on a bold red background with abstract circular shapes and white lines. Symbolises partnership or agreement.

What to look for in a low-code partner (and what to avoid)

Cassandra Wallace
17/4/2025

Low-code platforms like OutSystems are transforming how complex software is built - especially in regulated industries like government, healthcare, and financial services. But success with low-code isn’t guaranteed just because the platform is powerful. The difference between a successful project and a stalled one often comes down to the implementation partner.

Read more
Two colleagues collaborating at a desk, with one person pointing at a computer screen displaying a user interface, while the other observes thoughtfully. Multiple monitors, a water bottle, and framed photos are visible in the background.

Modernising legacy systems: a smarter, safer path to reinvention

Cassandra Wallace
16/4/2025

This guide explains how Kiandra uses modern techniques including low-code platforms, GenAI-assisted discovery, and custom-code redevelopment, to help organisations safely reimagine, rebuild and replatform these legacy systems. It’s designed for CIOs, CTOs and enterprise IT leaders ready to act but unsure where to start.

Read more
A man in a suit stands with arms raised in a dynamic pose, inside a cramped white triangular space on an orange background with the sense that the space is closing in on him. The man is in black and white, providing a stark contrast against the colourful backdrop.

Under pressure: A CIO’s guide to choosing a software partner when failure isn’t an option

Cassandra Wallace
15/4/2025

When you’re facing a high-stakes technology project - tight deadlines, legacy systems, and immovable compliance requirements - the margin for error is zero. But the challenge isn’t just the project itself. It’s choosing the right software partner to deliver it.

Read more

Let’s discuss your next project

Whether you’re curious about custom software or have a specific problem to solve – we’re here to answer your questions. Fill in the following form, and we’ll be in touch soon.

Email

Would you like to receive an occasional email showcasing the latest insights, articles and news from our team of software experts?

Thanks for reaching out! One of our software experts will be in
touch soon to help you with your enquiry
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By browsing our website you consent to the use of cookies as detailed in our Privacy Policy