As marketing professionals and graphic designers, it’s our job and responsibility to share information in the most accessible way possible. While the limitations of our tools, apps, and bandwidth can be challenging, it’s an excellent opportunity to stretch our design skills, be more mindful in our communication, and make the world a bit more inclusive.
Panelists Denise Jess, Bob Jacobson, and Gray Miller did a wonderful job sharing their insights and best practices on accessible social media design. Here are a few takeaways that SMBMad friend Tracy Brooks shared on LinkedIn as a recap of the event:
Platform Accessibility:
Understanding how different platforms improve or hinder accessibility. For instance, Instagram poses challenges due to complex accessible features, whereas YouTube offers better time management opportunities along with in-depth content exploration.
Grayscale Perspective:
Viewing websites or images in grayscale can increase user focus—a perspective that is not often considered!
CTAs and Anxiety:
Avoiding call-to-actions with arbitrary time limits to prevent creating user anxiety.
SEO and Accessibility:
Best practices in accessible design often align with best SEO practices.
Camel Case Hashtags:
Using camel case in hashtags (e.g., hashtagSocialMediaBreakfast) allows screen readers to interpret them accurately and effectively.
Universal Design:
Universal Design breaks down barriers and promotes social inclusion, whether it’s visual, neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “Neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions), auditory inclusion, etc.
More Resources
- Link to this Presentation Deck
- Photo Recap of the event, thanks to Bryant Vander Weerd of VEDUB Media.
