Mobile search made easier: An ability-based mobile search prototype for people with dyslexia

Although 1 person in 14 has dyslexia, most search interfaces are designed based on a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, creating inequity for neurodiverse searchers. This is also the case for mobile search, which accounts for most Google searches. While existing research has found search typically presents greater challenges for people with dyslexia, no prior work has examined how best to support them when searching on mobile devices. Rather than focus on addressing their search difficulties, we adopted an ability-based design approach. This involved designing a prototype, based on modifications to Google's mobile SERPs, aimed at enhancing their abilities – identified through interviews and observations with mobile searchers with dyslexia. A user evaluation found several of the modifications were useful; they supported searchers with dyslexia in making relevance judgements and boosted their resilience and self-efficacy. This research provides valuable insight into how to better support mobile searchers with dyslexia that can inform IIR research and design. It also demonstrates the potential of ability-based design approaches in supporting neurodiverse searchers.