A researcher at the University of Dundee is developing a new interface for word processing packages that could revolutionise computing for dyslexic users.
People with dyslexia find word processing screens difficult to use because there is too much clutter on the screen. The menus put considerable pressure on working memory and the default colours of black and white can cause visual discomfort. In some people, this visual discomfort can cause migraines or even epileptic fits.
The ReWord system being developed by Anna Dickinson allows dyslexic users to alter easily the screen colours, alter margins, text size, character and line spacing with a slider bar. After these options have been set, the user can enter a 'composition' mode with minimal screen clutter and a small floating toolbar with helpful tools, including immediate one-click access to a thesaurus and some specially designed assistive tools."
Anna, not dyslexic herself, became interested in making computing easier for dyslexic users while teaching. She said: "I was teaching some students who had considerable problems with the screen set up. The technical assistants had to make changes to the students' screens before they could use them and this gave their confidence a knock. I thought it would be much better if the users themselves could change their screens and I started to develop this software.
A colleague in the applied computing department at the University of Dundee, Peter Gregor, had been working on a dyslexic word processor called SeeWord and I was able to work with him to produce this new system."
The software is still at a prototype stage but Anna hopes that it will soon be developed into a commercial product. "The software will not only help dyslexic users but the elderly, people who suffer from colour blindness and people who suffer visual stress from colour combinations or patterns of stripes."
Anna is studying for an MSc in applied computing at the University of Dundee. She believes that it is vital that software should be easy to use for everyone, despite disability. "There are so many things that can damage the confidence of a person with dyslexia. I want to allow people to design their own screen because that lets people to feel comfortable with their work."/ENDS
Contact Anna Dickinson 01382 344787