Forbes: This startup is using design to help everyone learn to read
Founded by UC design professor Renee Seward, See Word Design is a Venture Lab success story
A startup founded by a University of Cincinnati faculty member continues to attract national attention.
See Word Design is the brainchild of Renee Seward, an associate professor with the UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. Seward's company started as a simple idea: use graphics to assist young readers by providing visual context clues.
“While it wasn’t the page layout, I did realize that the same strategies that we use to build brands could possibly help teach early reading skills,” Seward told Forbes contributor Liz Engel. “I started visiting private schools, cold calling reading and technology specialists, and asking the question, how can design impact education? Since then, this research has constantly been evolving.”
The Forbes piece delves into the story behind Seward's 13-year journey from inspiration to startup founder and focuses in part on her experience going through the Venture Lab startup pre-accelerator at UC's 1819 Innovation Hub. Venture Lab entrepreneur-in-residence Nancy Koors, which whom Seward co-founded See Word Design, now serves as the company's CEO.
UC's Innovation Agenda and the 1819 Innovation Hub are key components of Next Lives Here, the university's strategic direction. The Venture Lab pre-accelerator program at the 1819 Innovation Hub helps UC faculty, staff, students and alumni commercialize their ideas.
Renee Seward, left, and Nancy Koors. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative Services
Next Lives Here
Next Lives Here, the University of Cincinnati’s strategic direction, defines our moment and our momentum. More nimble and more robust than a plan, Next Lives Here announces our vision to the world—to lead urban public universities into a new era of innovation, impact, and inclusion.
Related Stories
Before the medals: The science behind training for freezing mountain air
February 19, 2026
From freezing temperatures to thin mountain air, University of Cincinnati exercise physiologist Christopher Kotarsky, PhD, explained how cold and altitude impact Olympic performance in a recent WLWT-TV/Ch. 5 news report.
Discovery Amplified expands research, teaching support across A&S
February 19, 2026
The College of Arts & Sciences is investing in a bold new vision for research, teaching and creative activity through Discovery Amplified. This initiative was launched through the Dean’s Office in August 2024, and is expanding its role as a central hub for scholarly activity and research support within the Arts & Sciences (A&S) community. Designed to serve faculty, students, and staff, the initiative aims to strengthen research productivity, foster collaboration, and enhance teaching innovation. Discovery Amplified was created to help scholars define and pursue academic goals while increasing the reach and impact of A&S research and training programs locally and globally. The unit provides tailored guidance, connects collaborators, and supports strategic partnerships that promote innovation across disciplines.
Blood Cancer Healing Center realizes vision of comprehensive care
February 19, 2026
With the opening of research laboratories and the UC Osher Wellness Suite and Learning Kitchen, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center’s Blood Cancer Healing Center has brought its full mission to life as a comprehensive blood cancer hub.