In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to design graphics that are accessible to everyone. With so many people relying on digital content for communication and information, creating inclusive graphics should be a top priority for any designer or marketer.
According to an article in Forbes, “In the U.S. alone, one in four adults has a disability. And with an aging population, that number will only continue to rise. Not only is designing with accessibility in mind the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense. By designing inclusively, you’re opening up your product or service to a larger audience and improving the experience for all users.”
So, what does it mean to design for accessibility? Essentially, it means creating graphics that can be easily understood and used by people with a wide range of abilities, including those with visual impairments, color blindness, or cognitive disabilities. Here are some tips for designing inclusive graphics:
Use High Contrast Colors
When designing graphics, it’s essential to use colors with high contrast so that people with visual impairments can easily distinguish between different elements on the page. Make sure that text and background colors are easy to read, and avoid using color as the only way to convey information.
Provide Alt Text
Alt text is a description of an image that can be read by screen readers, which are used by people with visual impairments to access digital content. Make sure to include alt text for all images on your website or in your social media posts. This will help ensure that everyone can understand the content of your graphics.
Choose Easy-to-Read Fonts
When selecting fonts for your graphics, choose ones that are easy to read for people with cognitive disabilities or dyslexia. Avoid using fonts with elaborate designs or that are too small, as this can make it difficult for some people to read.
Avoid Flashing or Flickering Images
Flashing or flickering images can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. To avoid this, make sure to avoid using images with flashing or flickering effects in your graphics.
Consider Audio Descriptions
If you’re creating videos or animations, consider adding audio descriptions to help people with visual impairments understand the content. Audio descriptions provide a narration of what’s happening on the screen and can be a great way to make your content more accessible.
By following these tips, you can create graphics that are inclusive and accessible to everyone. When you design with accessibility in mind, you’re not only making your content more accessible, but you’re also making it more engaging and appealing to a broader audience.
If you need help designing inclusive graphics accessible to all audiences, our design retainer program can help. Our team of experienced designers can work with you to create graphics that are not only visually appealing but also accessible to those with disabilities. Contact us today to learn more about our retainer program and how we can help you design for accessibility.