Haarf: Arabic typography, a solution to illiteracy
Partner Programme
14 — 22 Sept 2024
Digital, Graphic Design & Visual Communications, Multi-Disciplinary Design, Education
14 SeptOpen 24h
15 SeptOpen 24h
16 SeptOpen 24h
17 SeptOpen 24h
18 SeptOpen 24h
19 SeptOpen 24h
20 SeptOpen 24h
21 SeptOpen 24h
22 SeptOpen 24h
In Person
Free, no ticket required
Oxo Tower Wharf
Barge House St
London
London
SE1 9PH
#Haarf Solving_Illiteracy_With_Type
Imagine improving Arabic literacy by typing on a smartphone. No beold Haarf: a flick-input keyboard that reduces 38+ characters to eight, enhancing reading and writing skills, and offering new technology interactions for Arabic speakers by solving illiteracy through type.
By integrating Arabic script rules, the haptics of calligraphy, and the anatomy of typography into Haarf, we have challenged the computing status quo and used design as a problem-solving tool. Digital Arabic writing tools often overlook the script's complexities and historical nuances, sidelining non-Latin languages and reinforcing English as the dominant computing language. This neglect leaves Arabic inadequately served, exacerbating low literacy rates in the SWANA region, which stem from conflict, economic challenges, gender inequality, and inadequate educational infrastructure. As a result, students struggle to learn Modern Standard Arabic, presenting significant challenges to the 660 million speakers globally. This leads to a 62% adult illiteracy rate in the region, costing the SWANA region £12.15 billion annually. Haarf addresses this issue with an AI-assisted flick-input keyboard and an immersive language learning app. By simplifying the Arabic alphabet and providing contextual understanding, Haarf enhances literacy and bridges the gap between spoken dialects and written Arabic.
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