«The Theatre of Simpleminded People» is a socially significant cultural project focused on expanding perceptions of the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome and other cognitive differences.
The identity is based on the metaphor of uniting neurotypical individuals and people with Down syndrome through the transverse creases of the palm, which are distinct.
The lines of the palm symbolize the hidden, unremarkable, and, simultaneously, the delicate connection between neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals.
What is different about the palms of people with Down syndrome compared to neurotypical people?
The presence of a single transverse crease on the palm.
About 45% of people with Down syndrome have this type of palmar crease on both hands, but it can also occur in 1–5% of perfectly healthy people, as well as in other conditions and syndromes, only on the left hand.
The Simple Hearted Theatre font has been updated: a Latin version, punctuation, and a generative typography tool have been developed.
Plugin Developer: Alexey Kizerev
In November 2025, I connected with La Casa de Carlota studio in Barcelona, and they provided me with illustrations for the project.
La Casa de Carlota is the only studio in the world where designers with Down syndrome work.
Icons developed at La Casa de Carlota / Barcelona, 2026 / lacasadecarlota.com
Project Curator: Leonid Slavin Typography Curator: Dmitry Chernogayev Generator Developer: Alexey Kizerev Illustrations: La Casa de Carlota Studio Photography and Project Materials: Theatre of the Simplefolk