Haarf: Arabic typography, a solution to illiteracy
Partner Programme
16 — 20 Sept 2024
Digital, Graphic Design & Visual Communications, Multi-Disciplinary Design, Education
OSMO Battersea
65 Nine Elms Ln
Nine Elms
London
SW11 7EU
#Haarf Solving_Illiteracy_With_Type
Imagine improving Arabic literacy by typing on a smartphone. Haarf is 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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