Designing digital texts for beginner readers: performance, practice and process

Walker, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5942-1836, Black, A., Bessemans, A., Bormans, K., Renckens, M. and Barratt, M. (2018) Designing digital texts for beginner readers: performance, practice and process. In: Barzillai, M., Thomson, J. M., Schroeder, S. and Broek, P. W. v. d. (eds.) Learning to read in a digital world. Studies in written language and literacy (17). John Benjamins, Amsterdam, pp. 31-56. ISBN 9789027201225 doi: 10.1075/swll.17.02wal

Abstract/Summary

This illustrated chapter describes the role of research in typography and graphic communication and in information design, that is relevant to the design and use of materials for children’s reading. By ‘design’ in this context we mean ‘typography’ (which is the visual organisation of type and pictures on paper or screen), and ‘process’ (the ways in which design is developed in order to make sure that what is designed works for its intended reader group). We summarise issues that designers consider when they are producing reading materials for beginning and emerging readers, including the constraints imposed by technology. We suggest ways of engaging with users of e-books so that their needs can be considered. We conclude by summarising the typographic parameters that are likely to benefit children’s reading.

Item Type	Book or Report Section
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/78226
Identification Number/DOI	10.1075/swll.17.02wal
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Arts and Communication Design > Typography & Graphic Communication
Uncontrolled Keywords	Typography; legibility; digital texts; user-centred design; information design
Publisher	John Benjamins
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