If you’re looking for a way to simplify complicated data, you should opt for a visual interpretation. Showcasing data in the form of dashboards or other visual presentations are a great way to relay information visually and easily digestible, and they offer an opportunity to increase engagement by using interactive elements.
Before you get started on your design, you must first understand your target audience by identifying their preferences, needs, and accessibility requirements. While infographics are a great tool, they can be difficult to interpret for users with:
- Visual impairments
- Cognitive disabilities
- Low literacy
- Motor impairments
This is definitely the case if the infographics heavily rely on shapes, colors, or symbols without clear labels. Another hurdle is compatibility with assistive technology like screen readers, magnifiers, or keyboards.
To create meaningful and useful graphics, accessibility must be at the forefront. Below are five key elements to consider creating inclusive, accessible infographics.
The keys to effective infographics
Use the right tools
There are plenty of tools out there, to gather data and put it in visual form, like:
And tools to create presentations, like:
All of the programs above offer user-friendly interfaces and vigorous features for data visualization. If you choose to use a different system, opt for tools that support accessibility standards and provide options for alternative text, color contrast adjustments, and keyboard navigation.
Prioritize accessibility during the design process
Here are a few accessible design items that you should keep in mind:
- Readability - Choose legible fonts and appropriate font sizes.
- Color contrast - Maintain adequate color contrast to accommodate users with visual impairments.
- Alternative text - All images should include alt text to aid screen readers in accurately relaying information.
Select appropriate interactive elements
Interactive elements must be selected intentionally to improve user engagement and comprehension. Interactive charts, maps, and sliders allow users to explore data dynamically.
Use tooltips (a commonly used graphical user interface feature that displays informative text when users hover over or tap an element) to provide additional context and explanations for complicated data points. It also includes accessible design features like resizable text and adjustable contrast settings to accommodate low-vision users.
Keep it simple
Less is more when it comes to effective communication to avoid overwhelming users with excessive information, including those with cognitive and learning disabilities. Emphasize presenting key insights concisely and clearly while minimizing distractions by using animations sparingly to prevent cognitive overload.
Test across devices and platforms
Ensure that interactive infographics optimally function across various devices and platforms by testing desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to assess responsiveness and compatibility. Test accessibility features across different browsers and assistive technologies (like screen readers and keyboard navigation) to verify seamless functionality.
If you use manual testing, encourage users to provide insights on usability, accessibility, and overall experience, then incorporate feedback to refine the design and enhance user engagement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating accessible and interactive data visualization dashboards involves careful planning, accessible features, clear navigation instructions, and thorough testing for accessibility. By incorporating these practices, organizations can ensure that their data visualizations are inclusive and effectively convey information to all users.
By following these guidelines, designers can create engaging and inclusive infographics that empower users to explore and understand complex information effectively, fostering a culture of accessibility in visual data.
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