User testing
What dyslexic readers said.
Tested with 10 readers (7 with dyslexia, 3 without) using a scripted protocol: baseline reading, extension demo, and feedback on preferences. Results guide every default.
Participants
10
7 dyslexic, 3 control
Reported easier reading
8 / 10
With ReadEase enabled
Would use regularly
6 / 10
After trying presets
Key findings
Font preferences vary
4/10 preferred Arial with increased spacing; 3/10 preferred OpenDyslexic; 3/10 preferred Comic Sans. Customization is essential.
Guide bar is polarizing
6/10 found the reading guide helpful; 4/10 found it distracting. It stays optional and easy to toggle.
Background color matters
8/10 preferred cream over white; 2/10 preferred dark mode. The extension ships multiple tints and remembers your pick.
Protocol
- Baseline: read a Wikipedia article without the extension and rate difficulty.
- Apply ReadEase: explore font, spacing, color, and guide controls.
- Read with preferred settings: rate difficulty again and note friction.
- Feedback: favorite features, annoyances, and requested changes.
- Record preferences: save their profile and export if desired.
Success metrics: 7/10 reported lower difficulty; 6/10 would use regularly; at least 3 actionable insights captured for iteration.
Tester feedback
“The cream tint and extra spacing stopped the letters from swimming.”
Tester feedback
“I like the guide bar, but only when I’m reading long articles.”
Tester feedback
“Comic Sans surprised me—it felt friendlier than expected.”
Iterations shipping after tests
- Added Comic Sans as an option due to reader preference.
- Keyboard-friendly reading guide (arrow keys to move the bar).
- Dark mode preset for late-night reading with balanced contrast.
- Profile save/export so testers could keep their exact settings.
Next validation steps
- Expand to 15+ testers and include screen reader users.
- Measure reading speed/comprehension deltas in a structured study.
- Ship Firefox build and compare rendering differences.