Research
Brand Vision
To effectively communicate the design-centric solution includes researching of the definition for Dyslexia and its visual affects on dyslexics. Utilizing a culturally approach connecting colors, shapes, types, and design styles; logos; and layout design for a book. Below introduces ideation sketches, and final developed visual solutions.
Brand Personality
The researcher described Dyslexia that Looks Like Me brand personality as educational, family friendly, sociopolitical, bold, and helpful. As part of the brand development a goal is to incite empowerment and a positive emotional response from African American communities, increasing long-term success for Black dyslexic’s students.
Logo Development
The Dyslexia that Looks Like Me logo was designed to emulate the reading challenges that confronts Black dyslexic’s. The look and feel incorporates fabric patterns used by the different tribes and villages on the African culture. Logo ideation originated as rough pencil sketches that were refined through a series of design critiques to help simplify the logo.
Visual Development
The African American community has been an integral part of the American fabric, yet they have long struggled with systemic racism, inequality, and injustice. Despite their contributions to American society, African Americans continue to face barriers to equality and opportunity. The researcher’s initial visual explorations for the design-centric solution began with rough pencil sketches, which were then refined into digital compositions, and ultimately produced as letterpress prints. The explorations with letterpress were categorized into three types: type-only, image-only, and layouts that combined both type and images. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness about their struggles and amplify their voices. This visual development is intended for people of all ages and backgrounds who want to learn more about the African American community’s experiences and struggles.
Mood Boards
The design-centric solution was informed by the research conducted for the thesis topic. Organizing visual elements designed for parents, and community members in African American communities who want to learn more about dyslexia and advocate for support and resources for those affected. The research explores several themes related to dyslexia understanding, identity, advocacy and graphic elements that reflects African American communities, including: color palette, textures and patterns, and images.
Typography
It is important to understand what typefaces are readable for dyslexics (and other learning disability). Studies shows using sans serif fonts, such as Arial and Comic Sans, as letters can appear less crowded. Alternatives include Verdana, Tahoma, Century Gothic, Trebuchet, Calibri, Open Sans. Font size should be 12-14 point or equivalent (e.g. 1-1.2em / 16-19 px). Some dyslexic readers may request a larger font.
In the design-centric solution the researcher identified two typefaces that is most appropriate for the concept of Dyslexia that Looks Like Me—Century Gothic and Comic Sans.
Century Gothic™ is based on Monotype 20th Century, which was drawn by Sol Hess between 1936 and 1947. Century Gothic maintains the basic design of 20th Century but has an enlarged x-height and has been modified to ensure satisfactory output from modern digital systems. The design is influenced by the geometric style sans serif faces which were popular during the 1920s and 30s. The Century Gothic font family is useful for headlines and general display work and for small quantities of text, particularly in advertising.
Comic Sans MS is the groovy script font which was first supplied with the Windows 95 Plus! pack. Although it might be seen as a novelty typeface, which is great for titles, it’s also extremely readable on-screen at small sizes, making it a useful text face.
Selecting appropriate colors for a design acceptance from a target audience. Dyslexia can make reading a challenging task for many individuals. When designing materials for dyslexic readers, it is important to consider the impact of color and readability. Certain color combinations and contrasts can make it easier or more difficult for dyslexic readers to distinguish between letters and words. Choosing appropriate colors and typefaces that are easy to read can make a significant difference in the readability of materials for individuals with dyslexia.
The approach is to use single color backgrounds. Use sufficient contrast levels between background and text. The use of dark colored text on a light (not white) background. Consider alternatives to white backgrounds for paper, computer and visual aids such as whiteboards. White can appear too dazzling. Use cream or a soft pastel color. Some dyslexic people will have their own color preference.
Colors
Red
CMYK: 4-100-95-0
Each year, October is recognized worldwide as Dyslexia Awareness Month. Red is the chosen color because it is connected to the frustration of children with dyslexia receiving their school work marked in red.
Purple
CMYK: 89-89-40-38
Research indicates that African American’s show a “Preference for red, purple, and black.
Black
Pantone Black C
CMYK: 0-0-0-100