Dyslexics Have Standards, Too
Volume 1
Introduction
For too long, the conversation around dyslexia has focused on everything dyslexics are not — the disability instead of the ability.
This style guide celebrates the gifts of the dyslexic mindset and sees the ability to look at the world differently as the asset it is. Use these guidelines whenever you feel stuck and can’t find your way out. Alternatives and new approaches are our sweet spot.
Manifest-o
Clear or obvious to the eye or mind.
Dyslexia isn’t a flaw; it’s a superpower. A wild, untamed force that turns obstacles into opportunities and confusion into creativity.
Imagine a world where what you see isn’t just what you get — where every challenge is an invitation to dance with possibility.
Dyslexic minds don’t color in the lines; we sketch new ones, play in the margins, and spin the world in directions others can’t even dream of. We see the invisible, make the impossible inevitable, and collaborate in ways that transform the mundane into the magnificent. We are the explorers of the imagination, the ones who laugh in the face of convention and dare to see the world as it could be.
So let’s flip the script, celebrate our neurodivergent minds, and create a future where dyslexia is recognized for what it truly is: the magic behind the curtain, the secret sauce of innovation, and the driving force of creative revolution.
Color
Visual perception based on the electromagnetic spectrum.
Use crayons like a toddler — no color is off-limits!
Bold contrasts help dyslexic brains process information more easily, so don’t shy away from pairing that electric blue with a vibrant orange.
Create a palette that feels like a party on the page, with enough variety to keep things visually engaging. Remember, colors are your best friends in dyslexic design — they guide the eye, set the mood, and make everything more fun.
Use high-contrast combinations like deep navy with bright yellow or hot pink with turquoise. Sprinkle in some neon accents or unexpected pops of color to keep things lively.
Typography
All characters are negotiable.
Embrace the quirks! Choose fonts that are not only legible but also have personality. Fonts that have a bit of a bounce, a quirky curve, or a playful vibe — a font that dances to its own beat.
Dyslexic-friendly fonts like OpenDyslexic or Arial are great, but don’t be afraid to mix it up with something unexpected. Remember, dyslexic brains are wired for creativity, so give them something interesting to read!
Photography
The art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface.
Go for images that tell a story faster than you can say “hyper-ability.”
For dyslexics, a picture isn’t just worth a thousand words — it’s worth a million. Dyslexics often perceive the entire story within a single image, understanding not just the immediate scene but also the journey that led there and what might come next.
It’s crucial to prioritize images that evoke strong emotional responses, as dyslexics connect deeply with visuals that resonate with their senses and intuition.
Usage in Copy
“Dyslexia” is a versatile word that can be used as almost any part of speech.
Use it frequently to refer to situations that are positive, surprising, surprisingly positive or positively surprising.
DO’s & DONUTS
Follow these directions to achieve peak dyslexia while also acknowledging that following is what gets us into these messes in the first place.
ABOUT GERSHONI
This guide was produced by Gershoni, a VERY creative agency based in San Francisco. Meet us @ gershoni.com
We believe neurodiversity is an essential component of high-performing teams. To find out how you or your organization can be dyslexified, contact us at hello@gershoni.com
Check out some brands that have benefited from the Dyslexic Design Thinking approach at gershoni.com/work
