TRADUZIONI EDITORIALI ELDERLY SENSITIVE UN PROGETTO DI RICERCA PER FAVORIRE LA FRUIZIONE E LA LEGGIBILITÀ DEL TESTO

The research illustrates a methodological approach aimed at highlighting some factors useful for the design of accessible publishing artefacts intended primarily, but not exclusively, for readers over the age of 65. After a critical review of multiple contributions on microtypography, visual ergonomics and publishing translation, 100 cases of good practice were surveyed, highlighting the scarcity of volumes designed for the elderly. An initial experimental workshop in the field of education involved designers and students in processes of intrasemiotic and intersemiotic translation of the historical novel Q, which, due to its peculiarities, lends itself to linguistic transfer processes. This initial experiment led to a second empirical study aimed at modelling three meta-volumes that differ from each other in terms of text and iconography. The overall results confirm the multifactorial nature of legibility: body, line spacing, contrast, layout, support and orientation devices must work in synergy. Understanding editorial design as a translational process — intralinguistic, intersemiotic and ethical — allows for the integration of multiple sensory channels without impoverishing the overall meaning of the source text. The direct involvement of readers over the age of 65, taken as model readers, proves decisive in avoiding stigmatising solutions and enhancing the quality of a reading experience open to all. On a theoretical level, the research combines issues related to accessibility in the reading process, editorial translation practices, and knowledge related to typography and microtypography, proposing a concept of the book as a polyalphabetic text. Further developments may concern possible hybridisations between paper formats and products generated by generative artificial intelligence for the dynamic customisation of layouts and content.