Skip to content
As designers, we must ensure that our designs reach a broader audience, including people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, there are over one billion people with disabilities worldwide, making up around 15% of the world’s population. This group of people faces different challenges, and as designers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our designs are inclusive and accessible to everyone. This article will discuss some of the best practices for inclusive graphic design that can help us achieve this goal.
Use High Contrast Colors
High-contrast colors can help individuals with low vision to read and understand your designs. The contrast between the background and the text should be significant enough to make the text stand out. A general rule of thumb is to use dark text on a light background or vice versa. Avoid using light text on a light background or dark text on a dark background.
Use Alternative Text for Images
Alternative text, also known as alt text, is a description of an image that is read by screen readers for individuals who are visually impaired. It is essential to include alt text for all images used in your design, including icons, logos, and graphics.
Provide Captions and Transcripts for Audio and Video Content
Captions and transcripts can help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand audio and video content. Captions are a text version of the audio content, and transcripts are a written version of the audio and video content.
Use Descriptive Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings help organize the content on a page and make it easier to read. It is essential to use descriptive headings and subheadings that accurately reflect the content of the page.
Use Simple Language
Using simple language can make your content more accessible to people with cognitive disabilities. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be difficult to understand.
Use Consistent Design Elements
Consistency is key to creating an accessible design. Use consistent design elements such as font size, font style, and color scheme throughout your design.
Test Your Design with Assistive Technology
Testing your design with assistive technology can help you identify any accessibility issues that you may have missed. Screen readers and other assistive technologies can simulate how individuals with disabilities will experience your design.
Designing for accessibility is an essential part of creating inclusive graphic design. By implementing these best practices, we can make our designs more accessible to individuals with disabilities and ensure that they can enjoy our designs just like anyone else. As designers, we have the power to create a more inclusive world, and it starts with our designs.