How can you create accessible graphics for technical manuals?

1 Choose appropriate graphics

The first step to creating accessible graphics is to choose the right type of graphic for your purpose and content. Depending on what you want to communicate, you can use different graphics, such as diagrams, charts, tables, icons, screenshots, or photos. Each graphic has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to consider factors such as clarity, relevance, accuracy, simplicity, and consistency. For example, diagrams are good for showing relationships, charts are good for showing trends, tables are good for showing comparisons, icons are good for showing categories, screenshots are good for showing instructions, and photos are good for showing examples.

4 Use fonts and text

The fourth step to creating accessible graphics is to use fonts and text appropriately. Fonts are the style and size of the text in the graphic and affect legibility and aesthetics, while text consists of words and numbers that affect comprehension and accuracy. When using fonts and text, it is important to use fonts that are clear, simple, and consistent, as well as large enough to be read easily. In addition, the text should be concise, precise, and relevant, and aligned, formatted, and spaced properly. Avoiding fonts that are fancy, decorative, or inconsistent as well as text that is redundant, vague, or irrelevant or misaligned, distorted, or overlapping is also essential.

5 Use layout and orientation

The fifth step to creating accessible graphics is to use layout and orientation strategically. Layout refers to the arrangement and alignment of graphic elements on the page or screen, while orientation is the direction and angle of those elements. To use layout and orientation strategically, aim for a logical, coherent, and consistent layout that is balanced, symmetrical, and proportional. Additionally, it's best to use a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal orientation that is aligned with the text and graphic elements. Avoid chaotic, confusing, or inconsistent layout as well as curved, twisted, or rotated orientation that is misaligned or inverted.

6 Test and evaluate

The sixth and final step to creating accessible graphics is to test and evaluate your graphics. This means verifying if they meet the accessibility standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or the Section 508 Standards. Additionally, feedback and input from your target audience, such as potential readers, users, or customers should be sought. To test and evaluate your graphics, you should use accessibility tools and checkers, such as the Accessibility Checker in Microsoft Office; screen readers and magnifiers like NVDA or ZoomText; cognitive walkthroughs and usability tests like the Cognitive Walkthrough Method or the System Usability Scale; and surveys and interviews such as the Likert Scale or the Semi-Structured Interview. This will help you identify and fix any accessibility issues or errors in your graphics, simulate how they would be perceived by readers with visual impairments, assess how they would be understood by readers with cognitive disabilities or low literacy levels, and collect opinions of your readers regarding your graphics.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?