Pick one option from each row. You can still press the keys.
Blur is a rough stand-in for how sharp text looks; glasses or lenses often correct it. Real sight loss can also change brightness, glare, depth and much more.
Colour filters are approximations. Many people see some colours better than these filters show.
A simplified picture of what can be hard, not of how it feels. Choosing one of these resets the vision and colour settings above.
These conditions are not something a filter can show. Instead, here is what can be hard and what can help. Switch a helper on and it changes the calculator above.
Dyslexia
Reading and telling similar shapes apart. Some digits look alike and are easy to mix up.
- Clear, evenly spaced digits
- Generous space between characters
- Less crowding on screen
Dyscalculia
Seeing how big a number is, and the value of each digit. A long row of digits can be hard to make sense of.
- Show the place of each digit
- Group digits in threes
- Keep a tape so nothing has to be held in the head
Dysgraphia
Writing and precise hand movements. Small keys and exact taps can be tiring, and copying numbers by hand is slow.
- Large keys with room between them
- Copy and paste instead of writing numbers out
- A tape that remembers the sums
Remember: this is a simplified picture, and real experiences can be entirely different. If you are building something for others, the best guide is to ask people who live with these conditions.
About this page
This page is a way to notice how much design choices matter. Small changes such as larger keys, clear digits, strong contrast and not relying on colour alone make everyday tools easier for many people, including people who never think of themselves as having a disability.
Design tips that help many people
- Do not rely on colour alone. Add a sign, label or shape.
- Keep strong contrast between text and background.
- Use large, well-spaced targets for taps and clicks.
- Keep a visible history so nothing has to be remembered.
- Show the place value of long numbers.
The views here are illustrations. To build well for people with these conditions, ask people who live with them.
Frequently asked questions
Are these views accurate?
No. They are simplified illustrations to start a conversation. Real experiences can be completely different and vary a lot from person to person. They are not medical simulations.
Why do some conditions show a helper instead of a picture?
Dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia cannot be shown with a filter, and imitations often mislead. It is more useful to show what can be hard and what can help.
Is anything stored or sent?
No. The views run in your browser. The calculator tape stays on your device.