Making Graphic Design Accessible: A Simple Guide
When it comes to graphic design, making things accessible is really important. This includes how we choose and manage fonts. The way designers pick typefaces can make a big difference in how easy something is to read, how users feel about it, and whether everyone can understand it. Here are some simple ways to help choose the right fonts:
Font Size: About 2% of people have some trouble seeing, and another 10% find reading difficult. Using larger font sizes, like 16px or bigger for normal text, can help most users read better.
Contrast: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) suggest having a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for large text. Choosing fonts that stand out well from the background can make reading easier.
Sans-Serif vs. Serif: Research shows that sans-serif fonts, like Arial and Helvetica, are often easier for people with dyslexia to read on screens. On the other hand, serif fonts can be easier to read in print. Around 5-15% of people have dyslexia, so it’s important to pick the right font.
Character Recognition: Fonts with unique shapes, like Open Dyslexic, can help people with dyslexia read up to 35% faster!
Line Height: Using a line height (leading) that is 1.5 times the font size can make text less crowded, which helps everyone read. This is especially useful for people with visual impairments or learning disabilities.
Letter Spacing: Spacing out letters (kerning) can improve how easy it is to read something. If the letters are too close together, it can confuse some people, especially those using special reading tools.
By thinking about accessibility when choosing fonts and managing typography, graphic designers can create designs that everyone can use. This not only meets legal requirements but also makes the experience better for a wider audience. Plus, it helps designers reach more people!
Making Graphic Design Accessible: A Simple Guide
When it comes to graphic design, making things accessible is really important. This includes how we choose and manage fonts. The way designers pick typefaces can make a big difference in how easy something is to read, how users feel about it, and whether everyone can understand it. Here are some simple ways to help choose the right fonts:
Font Size: About 2% of people have some trouble seeing, and another 10% find reading difficult. Using larger font sizes, like 16px or bigger for normal text, can help most users read better.
Contrast: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) suggest having a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for large text. Choosing fonts that stand out well from the background can make reading easier.
Sans-Serif vs. Serif: Research shows that sans-serif fonts, like Arial and Helvetica, are often easier for people with dyslexia to read on screens. On the other hand, serif fonts can be easier to read in print. Around 5-15% of people have dyslexia, so it’s important to pick the right font.
Character Recognition: Fonts with unique shapes, like Open Dyslexic, can help people with dyslexia read up to 35% faster!
Line Height: Using a line height (leading) that is 1.5 times the font size can make text less crowded, which helps everyone read. This is especially useful for people with visual impairments or learning disabilities.
Letter Spacing: Spacing out letters (kerning) can improve how easy it is to read something. If the letters are too close together, it can confuse some people, especially those using special reading tools.
By thinking about accessibility when choosing fonts and managing typography, graphic designers can create designs that everyone can use. This not only meets legal requirements but also makes the experience better for a wider audience. Plus, it helps designers reach more people!