Accessibility and Data Visualization

by Yadwinder Pannu

Allow more water to get in so more flowers can grow

Accessibility is more important than it has ever been. Inclusivity is a topic spoken about many but exemplified by few.

Colorblind colors still have yet to be adopted by most fortune 500 companies, which is the most simple and first step in making data Vizzulizations accessible to a broader audience.

Usability.gov says "ensuring that all of your potential users, including people with disabilities, have a decent user experience and are able to easily access your information." Data analysts are in the business of taking information and then sharing it with everyone who asks for it. So following accessibility design rules we are maximizing our usage.  

By using universal design rules you increase the ease of use for every user.

Colors - Can be used to express reactions to information and draw attention

Typography - Fonts that make it easy to identify imposter characters. alignments help navigate the flow of the product.

The colors in the title explain the division of information. The title is placed above the chart which gives you context before even looking at the chart so it is easier to follow.

Unity - Only showing what needs to be shown based on a certain ask.

Space - reduces noise and allows information to breathe, resulting in readability

Unity: only showing issues about Glasgow with zones and streets in Glasgow. Space: Creating space between the chart and filter shows a separation 

Hierarchy - Placement of groups of ideas or graduality. Helps navigate the eyes through the product.

It goes from zone to street. agreeing that you are reading from right to left this establishes a hierarchy

Contrast - Emphasis on what is most important and helps increase legibility.

Scale - Creates interest and viewability.

Contrast: The Title has the most contrast-pulling focus and gives the user a place to start the process of interpreting it. Scale: The title is the largest part of the viz and also helps with focus.

Similarity - Making sure certain elements are consistent throughout the product.

The red and blue colors always mean the same thing. all the numbers are white. Titles are dark black. and the charts are in a slightly less intense grey. 

Mon 15 Aug 2022

Tue 14 Jun 2022