The Newton Project
Research that puts Easy Read users at the centre of design decisions.
Listening to the people who matter most
The Newton Project is our ongoing research programme that gathers direct input from people who use Easy Read. We wanted to know: how do people actually want to receive information? What works for them, and what doesn't?
We've been touring the country, meeting with individuals and groups to understand their preferences and needs. The research covers fonts, layouts, picture types, colours, and how people access information – whether through print, tablets, phones, or computers.
Everything we learn feeds directly into EasyMaker, making sure our tools are built on real evidence, not assumptions.
The research so far
100+ participants
People with learning disabilities from across the UK have taken part in the research, sharing their views and preferences.
20 organisations
We've worked with self-advocacy groups, charities, and support organisations in different parts of the country.
Real preferences
We've gathered data on font choices, layout preferences, picture types, colour contrast, and access methods.
Ongoing work
The Newton Project continues to grow as we meet with more groups and refine our understanding.
People and connections
The Newton Project is about human interaction – meeting people where they are and listening to what they have to say. We've helped people with all different experiences of AI learn how it works, and their ideas form part of the unique AI that drives EasyMaker.
How it shapes EasyMaker
The Newton Project isn't academic research that sits on a shelf. Everything we learn goes directly into the tools we build.
When participants told us they preferred certain fonts, we made those the defaults in EasyMaker. When we learned how people actually access documents – on tablets, phones, through audio – we built those formats into the system.
This is co-production in practice: the people who use Easy Read helping to shape the tools that create it.
Get involved
If you work with a self-advocacy group or organisation that might like to take part in the Newton Project, we'd love to hear from you.