Typeface could be better for dyslexic users

[MyfanwyNixon]

My issue is that I have dyslexia - and there's plenty more like me out there.

Serif fonts, such as Times New Roman, can cause us particular difficulties with reading. In contrast, sans serif fonts, such as Helvetica or Arial, are generally easier to read.

The default font here seems to be something like Times New Roman.

I wonder whether it would be possible to amend this, and use a sans serif font throughout your site?

FAO: @wrightmartin @zarino

[zarino]

I am sorry to be the person who breaks this news, but no, it's unlikely we'll change to sans-serif throughout.

I expect we are not the only serif-typeset website this user has come across.

Has the user considered editing their browser’s user stylesheet to force websites like ours to use the typeface of their choice? There are also third-party plugins like Stylebot for Chrome that give you point-and-click buttons and menus to alter all sorts of parameters about the webpages you visit, including the typeface.

[MyfanwyNixon]

Blimey you designers are so hardline :) Are there advantages to serif, apart from the look? Eg, is it easier for non-dyslexic people to read?

[wrightmartin]

@MyfanwyNixon

http://alexpoole.info/blog/which-are-more-legible-serif-or-sans-serif-typefaces/ This is worth a read. TLDR: For general legibility nobody knows for sure, because the research conducted often conflicts with other research. So it's sensible to guestimate they are equally legible.

As for dyslexia, it's not the style of the typeface (eg serif'd or not) but the construction of distinct letters (such as making 'b' and 'd' look as different as possible).

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I agree with Zarino - if our typefaces used on WriteToThem cause a problem for this particular visitor, their best bet would be to use a user stylesheet, as it would change our website and every other one they visit as a bonus

[MyfanwyNixon]

Good to know, thank you!