Enhancing Inclusivity: Accessibility in Graphic Design

Graphic design plays a pivotal role in shaping our visual experiences, conveying information, and engaging audiences. While aesthetics and creativity are essential, it is equally important to prioritise accessibility in graphic design. As a graphic designer at We the People, my work has allowed me to see the significance of creating inclusive design and made me aware that accessibility to all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, is not only a legal and ethical responsibility but also an opportunity to reach a wider audience.

The fundamentals of accessibility in graphic design refer to the practice of designing visual content that is perceivable and understandable for all individuals, including those with disabilities. By removing barriers to the design and providing equal access to information, irrespective of a person's vision, hearing, cognitive, or physical abilities, as designers we can ensure that our work is inclusive and allows everyone to engage with the content. During my time at We the People, I have learnt how to optimise my design work so that it is not only visually appealing and conveys the message but also accessible to everyone.?

The key principles I always keep in mind when designing are, contrast and colour choices, typography and readability & clear hierarchy and organisation. As a graphic designer, these principles are some of the first rules you learn but it was not till I started working with our public sector and community organisations clients that I realised why these principles are important for accessibility.

Contrast and colour choices are vital for individuals with visual impairments or colour blindness. By doing so you can create clear differentiation between elements, ensuring readability and visibility. Exploring different colour palettes and their psychological impact has opened up a whole new realm of creativity for me, enabling me to evoke specific emotions and convey messages with precision. With each project, I continue to refine my skills, understanding that contrast and colour choices are the keys to creating impactful and visually captivating designs.

Typography and readability are also extremely important, selecting appropriate typography and optimising readability is crucial. Typeface choice, font size, line spacing, and letter spacing significantly impact legibility. By prioritising legible fonts and avoiding using decorative or complex typefaces for body text it opens up the design accessibility to more individuals. In each project I have worked on I am constantly challenged to refine my typography skills, knowing that clear and legible designs are the cornerstone of effective communication. I am always tempted to use a beautiful abstract script style or decorative font but try to remember who the end result is targeting. There have been times when I have used fonts that are not 100% legible following clear print guidelines but by focusing on the other principles I was able to enhance the legibility. For example, our work with Threshold and the Department of Housing used a decorative impact label font but by enhancing the contrast and the hierarchy in the design it allowed the design to be more accessible.?

Clear hierarchy and organisation help users navigate and understand the content better. This can be done by using appropriate size, colour, and contrast in the design. Headings, subheadings, and bulleted lists can aid in organising information, making it easier for individuals with cognitive or reading disabilities to understand.?

I strongly believe that designers have a responsibility to create inclusive and accessible graphic designs that accommodate the needs of all individuals. Initially, I saw these as constrictions to the design process and limiting to what a design could be, but after working with and talking with organisations that have accessibility at the forefront of their mission it made me more aware of the impact of enhancing inclusivity. Prioritising accessibility contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society, where everyone can engage with visual content in meaningful ways and that is something that I feel aligns with We the People’s ethos as well as my own.