Wicked Words
Photograph examples of real-world text
Reading is something we do constantly, yet each reading experience can feel very different. Some text feels clear and effortless, while other text is frustrating, tiring, or surprisingly hard to read. These differences often depend on where we are, what we’re reading, the lighting around us, and the devices we use.
Wicked Words invites people to contribute examples of text they encounter in their everyday lives. If you have a smartphone, a few minutes of time, and curiosity about how reading works, you can take part.
You contribute by documenting text you naturally encounter during daily life, on a phone, a screen, a page, a label, or a sign, and answering a few short questions about your reading experience. Each contribution takes only a few minutes, and you can choose how many examples to share.
Materials Needed:
Step 1
Take the survey to enroll and give your consent to participate.
Step 2
Prepare your materials: Print the reference card and have a charged device with internet access ready to take photos.
Step 3
Take a photo or screenshot of text you’ve read.
[I recommend you suggest a length for the text here instead of in the survey only, if that is where you specify.]
Step 4
Upload the photo or screenshot to the Reading Sample Submission Survey and answer a few short questions. Submit as many samples as you like.
By collecting real-world examples, this project aims to:
- Identify common barriers that make text hard to read
- Understand what design choices support good reading experiences
- Learn how people adapt when reading becomes difficult
- Inform future research and design related to accessibility and readability