Designing content for users with dyslexia

Last updated: 01 Sep 2021

Dyslexia is the most prevalent difference within the range of neurodiversity. It is estimated that between 10% and 15% of the population have dyslexia.

As explained by the British Dyslexia Association, people with dyslexia often exhibit a range of skills. These include ‘big picture’ thinking, problem-solving and lateral thinking abilities, an instinctive understanding of how things work, originality, creativity and exceptional visual-spatial skills.

Here are some useful tips to ensure your communications and content are accessible for a user with dyslexia:

Do:

  • use images and diagrams to support text
  • align text to the left and keep a consistent layout
  • consider producing materials in other formats (for example audio or video)
  • keep content short, clear and simple
  • let users change the contrast between background and text

Don’t:

  • use large blocks of heavy text
  • underline words, use italics or write in capitals
  • force users to remember things from previous pages – give reminders and prompts
  • rely on accurate spelling – use autocorrect or provide suggestions
  • put too much information in one place

Download our poster about designing content for users with dyslexia.

Find out more about how you can support your colleagues via the links below.