Visual accessibility in graphic design

A client-designer communication failure

Journal article (2015)

Authors

Katie Cornish University of Cambridge
J. A. Goodman-Deane University of Cambridge
Kai Ruggeri University of Cambridge
P.J. Clarkson University of Cambridge
Affiliation
External organisation
Communication User centred design Design processes Graphic design Visual accessibility
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Published Date

01-09-2015

Language

English

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External organisation

Abstract

It is essential that graphic design is visually clear and accessible. However, evidence suggests that a lack of consideration is given to visual accessibility in print-based graphic design. Furthermore, effective client-designer communication is a vital component in this. This paper investigates current graphic design practice, with regard to visual accessibility, specifically focussing on client-designer communication. A survey of 122 graphic designers and clients identified that these two groups may not be communicating with each other effectively with regard to visual accessibility, and that there is a need to develop inclusive design tools to assist them with this. This paper adds a novel contribution to our limited understanding of visual accessibility in the UK's graphic design industry.