It is important to ensure that the visualisations we make are accessible to a diverse range of users, including those with disabilities. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of accessibility in data visualisation and how to make your visualisations more inclusive.
Why Accessibility Matters?
Accessibility refers to the practice of making content available to all people including those with disabilities. According to the Equality Act of 2010, 18% of the UK's working population have some form of disability. This means that it is crucial to consider accessibility when creating any digital content, including data visualisations, to ensure that everyone can access and interpret the data.
Tips for Creating Accessible Data Visualisations
Choose appropriate colours - Choosing the right colour scheme is important to make sure your visualisation is easy to read and interpret. Be mindful of the contrast between colours, as some users may have difficulty distinguishing between similar shades. Use colours that are readily distinguishable, and avoid using too many colours which can make the visualisation overwhelming. Also try to use colour blind friendly colour palettes and avoid certain colour combinations such as red and green.
Use descriptive labels - Providing descriptive labels for charts and graphs is essential for users who rely on screen readers to access the information. These labels help to describe the data, making it easier for everyone to understand the content.
Include alternative text - Alternative text, also known as alt text, is a description of an image that is read aloud by screen readers. Including alt text for all visual elements in your data visualisation, including charts, graphs, and images, makes the content more accessible to visually impaired users.
Consider font size and style - Choosing the right font size and style can also make a big difference in the accessibility of your data visualisation. Use a font that is easy to read and consider increasing the size to make it more legible.
Design for keyboard only users - Create visualisations which are accessible for keyboard only users who don’t use a mouse or trackpad. Avoid using tooltips and ensure the layout works for those who are using the tab button to explore the dashboard.
Test your visualisation - Finally, it is important to test your data visualisation with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to ensure that the dashbaord is accessible. Try to explore the dashboard using only a keyboard and see how accessible it is. This will help you identify any issues that need to be addressed to make the visualisation more inclusive.
Conclusion
In summary, accessible data visualisations are essential for ensuring that all users can access and interpret the information contained within them. By using appropriate colours, descriptive labels, alt text, keyboard only designs and testing with assistive technologies, you can make your visualisations more inclusive and improve accessibility for all users. Incorporating these accessibility practices ensures that you are providing visualisations that are accessible to everyone.