Accessible
Digital Design

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Introduction

Media may be seen on television, heard on the radio, or experienced online, but it begins as a story told with words and images. In digital design we rely heavily on visual elements to communicate our intended messages. When considering diverse audiences, those visuals may be excluded from their experience and they may not be getting the whole story. How we pair colours and use colour to communicate information may not be inclusive if we consider various print disabilities. How information is presented visually is only one piece of the puzzle, access to printed information such as books is also an important aspect of accessibility.

In this module, we will learn how to create alternative text for images, how to design documents in a creative and accessible way, and how to make accessible Word, InDesign, and PDF documents and PowerPoint presentations. We will also explore aspects of the publishing industry and how it makes use of various publishing formats to make information and stories available to everyone.

Image: Open book with poster designs on the page, laying on top of a laptop, some pens and scrap paper with doodles.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define alternative text (alt text) and image description in order to demonstrate some of the ways that visual and digital content is made accessible.
  • Explore design choices such as color palettes and typography that support diverse audiences and devices.
  • Understand alternative formats and why print and digital media that is accessible-by-design is inclusive and equitable.
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Terms and Concepts

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