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Coloured Letter Language Development Tool for Kids
London-based designer Aimee-Elisabeth M Kyffin has created an interactive language development tool that combines coloured letter associations with play to support dyslexic children with their reading, writing and spelling. Clickit works by using colour to add extra meaning to letters, thus making each more decipherable.
The kit consists of modular alphabet pieces that click together. Each letter is assigned with its own individual colour, with the most similar-looking and regularly confused letters (such as b, d, p and q) in the most distinguishable shades. Children learn to recognise each letter based on its colour, while colour patterns of words help to teach the correct spelling. The letters are accompanied by an instructional storybook, whose characters also help to encourage and empower the children.
The concept is informed by grapheme-colour synaesthesia, a form of cognitive phenomenon synaesthesia where an individual associates specific colours with specific letters and words. These colour-letter associations can be taught to some degree and built upon quickly, making Clickit a beneficial educational tool for all. For those with dyslexia, the tool reflects their way of learning – using the right (creative/visual) hemisphere of the brain, rather than the left (language) hemisphere.
Digital musical instrument Specdrums explores a similar cross-modal perspective of colour, translating it into sound. Read more here.
In a saturated and colourful market, children’s toys and products will benefit from a considered and directional use of colour, to help spark imagination and aid cognition and memory. See CMF Industry View: Toys & Kids’ Products 2020 for the latest use of colour, pattern and sensory experiences.
