Events Conference
Drupal GovCon 2020 – How to Design Accessible, Usable Data Visualizations
The Question Is Moot! Accessibility and Dataviz Is NOT an Either/Or
“Regarding accessibility, how do you determine situations in which a data visualization is not feasible?” This question came to us from a client. It reflects a widely held belief: you can’t make cool data visualization products AND make them accessible; or if you do create one, all of your audiences won’t be able to access them.
But why choose? Why not both? We are here to tell you that you can communicate with rich data—research results, policy impacts, predicted outcomes—while also effectively serving all audiences.
In this session we will share:
- Recommendations to make visuals that are engaging, effective, and free from common blockers to access;
- Guidance for alt text, labels, titles, and body text that should accompany your visualization;
- How to use color well; and
- Case studies and how to approach both dynamic and static visualizations.
Whether your next project needs a map, chart, graph, or another type of visualization, you will have the information you need to improve your visual impact and ensure your data is clear, meaningful, and accessible to all audiences.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Session Track: Design, UX, and Accessibility
Presenters:
Tim Shaw, User Experience Director, Forum One
Tim develops executive-level digital and user experience strategies and then guides their implementation through detailed information architecture and content strategy work. He is an avid sketcher of navigation approaches and is particularly focused on leveraging information architecture and analytics data to drive design optimization. Tim also has a strong interest and expertise in data visualization, leading major work for the US Department of Education in this area. And if you have governance issues, he’s your man for that too.
Kim Locraft, Design Director, Forum One
Kim designs user-focused, accessible, open source, print and web products, including our marketing materials. Kim holds an M.A. in History/Area Studies and a B.A. (double major) in Communications and French from Virginia Tech. She also earned certificates in Graphic Design and Web Design from Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts, with the goal of working for cause-based organizations. She combines conceptual and analytical thinking to provide creative and effective design solutions for organizations dedicated to helping others.