Ongoing Investigation of the Ways in Which Some of the Problems Encountered by Some Dyslexics Can Be Alleviated Using Computer Techniques
Anna Dickinson, Peter Gregor, Alan F. Newell · 2002 · Proceedings of the Fifth International ACM Conference on Assistive Technologies (Assets 02) · doi:10.1145/638249.638268
Summary
This paper from the University of Dundee reports on the ongoing development and evaluation of SeeWord, a highly configurable word processing environment designed to alleviate visual difficulties experienced by dyslexic computer users. The authors adopt a pragmatic, obstacle-by-obstacle methodology developed by Gregor and Newell that recognises people with dyslexia as a diverse group with varying needs rather than a homogeneous population. The paper identifies eleven specific visual problems associated with dyslexia: Meares-Irlen syndrome, pattern glare, motor control difficulties, short-term memory limitations, visual memory issues, number and letter recognition errors, letter reversals, word recognition problems, spelling difficulties, word additions and omissions, and poor comprehension. SeeWord allows users to individually configure their visual environment by manipulating foreground and background colours, character typeface, font, spacing, font size, and the width of displayed text. The software also features a reading mask to help users focus on specific lines, a highlighted line that tracks cursor position, and a pattern glare blocking mode. The system was designed as a layer on top of Microsoft Word, later redesigned as a standalone interface with sliders for gradual colour adjustment rather than preset selections.
Key findings
A pilot study with six male dyslexic school pupils aged 14-16 demonstrated that individually configured visual settings improved reading accuracy compared to default word processor settings. Five of six participants read with fewer errors using their preferred settings, and the improvement in error rates between configured and default conditions was statistically significant (t=-2.78, d.f.=5, p=0.042). All participants reported that the greatest subjective improvement came from altering colour schemes, with a general pattern of preferring low-contrast combinations between text and background — for example, brown on green. All users preferred larger text sizes (greater than the default 12pt), though not all found wider column widths helpful. The study challenged the WYSIWYG paradigm, finding that settings users chose for comfortable reading did not match settings optimised for visual appeal. The results also confirmed that dyslexic users read more accurately when allowed to self-select display preferences rather than using defaults, supporting the principle that configurability is essential for this user group.
Relevance
This paper provides early empirical evidence that simple visual customisations in word processing software can meaningfully improve reading performance for dyslexic users — a finding that remains highly relevant for web and application design today. The research directly supports the case for user-configurable text display options in digital content, including adjustable fonts, colours, spacing, and line length. For web practitioners, this aligns with WCAG requirements around text customisation and reflow, and reinforces why fixed-layout designs that prevent user style overrides create barriers for neurodivergent users. The obstacle-by-obstacle design methodology is also noteworthy as an alternative to one-size-fits-all accessibility solutions, emphasising that within any disability group, individual variation in needs can be substantial.
Tags: dyslexia · cognitive accessibility · visual stress · reading accessibility · user-centred design · configurable interfaces · word processing