Henry Franks recently won the 2013 New Designer of the Year Award for his series of ‘Dyslexic Objects.’ Franks channeled his own struggle with dyslexia into these objects. The items take the forms of familiar objects and bring frustrating twists to them.
The ‘Poor Memory Pots’ are designed to hold office supplies, but only two to three at a time. His ‘Confused Hangers’ is a clothing hanger with hooks in both directions and ‘Muglexia’ puts the mouth of a coffee cup where the base should be.
These objects communicate struggles he faces daily like having a terrible memory, comprehension and the inversion of words and letters when reading. Henry Franks’ objects beautifully express this what it is like to have this learning disability.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Dyslexic Objects
- Creating objects that demonstrate the challenges and frustrations of dyslexia provides an opportunity for innovative products that raise awareness and promote empathy.
- Inclusive Design
- Designing products that consider the needs and experiences of individuals with learning disabilities presents an opportunity for businesses to tap into a growing market and create more accessible and inclusive solutions.
- Creative Expression of Disabilities
- Using design and art to express and communicate the experiences of individuals with disabilities offers opportunities for unique and empowering products that challenge societal perceptions.
Where This Applies
- Product Design
- The field of product design can explore the creation of dyslexic-inspired objects to address the needs and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities.
- Education
- Integrating dyslexia-inspired objects into educational settings can enhance learning experiences and help foster understanding and support for students with learning disabilities.
- Social Impact
- The social impact sector can leverage dyslexic-inspired objects to raise awareness about learning disabilities and advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility in society.
