Pugwash’s story: navigating the digital world with dyslexia

The problem

Pugwash’s struggle with digital exclusion is rooted in the design of technology itself. While society moves essential tasks to smartphones, the hardware and software remain sources of immense frustration for neurodivergent users.

• The keyboard barrier: The standard "QWERTY" layout is a major obstacle for Pugwash. "I never know what letter is there," he explains. "If it was A-B-C, I could use it much better."
• Design frustrations: The physical layout of mobile screens creates constant friction. The proximity of characters, such as the number '0' being placed directly above the letter 'O', leads to repetitive errors. "It drives me nuts... it just makes you want to throw your phone through the window, and that’s expensive."
• Instruction overload: Because Pugwash processes information visually, traditional digital manuals are often incomprehensible. "I can’t do instructions... if I’ve got the basics, I can do it in the head, but not reading it off a page."

The solution: Community hubs as a creative bridge

Pugwash’s experience highlights the vital role of community support networks, like Cosmic hub, in bridging the digital divide. Rather than forcing him to conform to rigid learning methods, the support at the Hub adapts to his creative strengths.

Through the Hub, Pugwash has merged his passion for embroidery with digital tools. With guidance from staff, he learned to use a tablet to research photographs for his latest art project: "Dead Rock Stars." He successfully navigated finding images online, sending them to a library photocopier, and printing them to use as templates for his intricate stitching.

"Without the support of the Hub, I wouldn't have been able to do my project," he says. "The Hub has made me feel more confident in my artwork and in using the internet."

Pugwash’s call for change

Pugwash’s story is a reminder that digital inclusion is not "one size fits all." His message for local authorities and developers is centered on accessibility and empathy:

1. Accessibility: Digital services must be designed with neurodiversity in mind, offering simpler keyboard layouts or larger, more intuitive interfaces for those who struggle with standard displays.
2. Visual and practical learning: Support should be hands-on and visual, moving away from dense, text-based instructions that can alienate those with dyslexia.
3. Community investment: Spaces like the Hub are essential for providing the "personal touch" that helps residents overcome technical anxiety in a social, supportive environment.

As Pugwash puts it:

"Because of my dyslexia, I think services should be much easier to access."

For him, the internet should be a tool for creativity and connection, not a source of frustration that pushes people to the brink.