Augmented typography for university students with dyslexia: transforming texts through mixed methods research and co-design processes. Experience dyslexia first-hand through a customised reading and writing exercise. The task is fun, while providing insight and increasing empathy for those with reading difficulties. In groups you can then test and isolate typographic settings to improve reading outcomes and also provide input on your preferences for the way type should appear. Compare the existing and potential visual presentation of texts from academic journals and books, using research findings to improve reading and comprehension. Explore the benefits of transdisciplinary research that combines qualitative and quantitative methods from design and cognitive psychology. Finally, learn some handy tips for presenting easy-to-read typography.

Workshop Facilitator

Workshop FacilitatorS

Darren Taljaard

University of South Australia

Darren Taljaard is a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia exploring the impact of typography on reading and comprehension. Previously a creative in advertising and design agencies and subsequently a lecturer in media and design, he sees design as not only an economic driver, but also as a mechanism for social transformation.

Ian Gwilt

Design Research in Health and Wellbeing, University of South Australia

Ian Gwilt is Professor of Design at the University of South Australia and leads Design Research in Health and Wellbeing in the School of Art, Architecture and Design. He is interested in design for communication and knowledge mobilisation, and encourages user-centred, participatory co-design methodologies. Current work includes research into the psychosocial impact of working with robots in the healthcare workplace. He supervises PhD students in the area of design for health and wellbeing.

Anna Leditschke

University of South Australia

Anna has very recently completed her PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of South Australia. Her work focuses upon understandings of procedural justice and stakeholder knowledge. She currently works as a researcher and lecturer at UniSA.