For the second day of dashboard week, we explored the importance of Accessible, Inclusive, and Universal Design — and how these principles shape the way we build dashboards.
Universal Design aims to work for everyone without adaptation, meanwhile Inclusive Design considers broader human differences and cultural norms, such as the role of color and symbols. Accessible Design focuses on creating tools that accommodate specific disabilities, ranging from neurodiversity (ADHD, dyslexia) to visual, cognitive, and motor impairments.
For neurodivergent users, clear and calm visual environments are key. Starting with larger text and limit the number of marks on a chart. Where possible, give users the option to filter down to fewer marks themselves. Limiting color palettes to no more than 5-10 colours can also help not overwhelming the viewer.
Another way improve the accessibility of your dashboard is to use the title of graphs to communicate the main insights. Ideally you would want to use calculated field so that the titles are dynamically generated. Including a visible caption explaining what the graph shows in plain, direct language also goes a long way. Either within the caption, or alongside the graph you can also utilise instructional text to guide users on how to interact with dashboard features like filters and parameters.
Steer clear of visual overload: limit both the number of charts on a page and the amount of labeling. Never depend on a single signal (like just color) to convey critical insights — reinforce important points with annotations, trend lines, and clear legends placed near the chart.
Lastly, remove unnecessary decimals, as excessive precision can clutter and confuse. Many of these adjustments aren’t just about accessibility — they’re solid data visualization best practices that improve clarity for everyone.
In summary, making dashboards accessible for neurodivergent users is about creating clear, calm, and intuitive experiences. By simplifying visuals, using clear instructional language, limiting colors and marks, and reinforcing key messages with multiple cues, we not only support users with diverse needs but also follow data visualization best practices that benefit everyone. Accessible design isn’t an add-on — it’s smart, thoughtful design for all.