Accessible Graphic Design: More Than Meets the Eye

When we think about accessible graphic design, the conversation often starts—and unfortunately stops—with font sizes and color contrasts. While these elements are essential, creating truly accessible designs involves much more. It’s about ensuring the content can be understood, navigated, and experienced seamlessly by everyone, including those relying on assistive technologies like screen readers.

Here’s a deeper dive into what accessible graphic design really entails:

1. Structure Your Documents with Care

Properly setting up your document's structure is crucial. Using and assigning correct document tags (e.g., headings, lists, tables) allows screen readers to interpret content in a logical order. This isn’t just good practice; it’s fundamental to accessibility. Without a clear hierarchy, users can struggle to navigate even the simplest of documents.

2. Don’t Let Decorative Elements Distract

Decorative motifs and non-essential elements should be left untagged. While these elements might enhance the visual appeal, they can clutter the journey for screen reader users, causing unnecessary confusion or delays. A clean reading experience matters just as much as a clean design.

3. Provide Meaningful Alternative Text

Alt text for images isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. However, it’s not just about describing an image. Good alt text conveys the purpose of the image in context. Is the image there to inform, evoke emotion, or serve as decoration? Tailor your alt text accordingly.

4. Make Links Useful

Long, unformatted web addresses can be a nightmare for users of assistive technology. Instead, use descriptive link text that tells users where the link leads. For example, “Learn more about accessible design” is far more helpful than “click here” or a raw URL.

5. Enhance Navigation Features

Interactive features like a table of contents, footnotes, and endnotes are powerful tools—if implemented correctly. Ensure that these elements are linked and easily navigable, enhancing the reader’s journey rather than complicating it.

6. Test the User Experience

Finally, accessibility isn’t something you assume—it’s something you test. Utilise screen readers, keyboard navigation, and accessibility checkers to evaluate your designs. Better yet, seek feedback from individuals who rely on these tools daily.

Creating accessible graphic design isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a mindset. It’s about thinking beyond appearances to consider how content is experienced by diverse users. By taking the extra steps to make your designs inclusive, you’re ensuring they’re not just visually engaging, but genuinely usable for everyone.

What are your favourite tips for making graphic design more accessible? Share your thoughts in the comments!