Infographics, now with text and audio
It’s no secret that flat graphics are pretty awful when it comes to accessibility.
They’re unreadable, sometimes unzoomable and often unnavigable.
So, as an infographics designer I’m tying to do better.
This means that AS STANDARD I’m now offering text description and audio description with every graphic I create. The hope is that clients will place these alternative versions alongside the graphic version, to open up the information to more people. (scroll down for advice on using files like this)
I’ve also added sound-produced audio explainers to my list of products. More on that another time.
How to Use Audio and Text Files
Text File
This chunk of descriptive text can be used in several ways.
Add it as alt-text to the image of the infographic on your website or blog post. Although be warned, descriptions of infographics can be long as we get into all the details. It may not be suitable as alt-text in every instance.
Add the text beneath your infographic.
Save to another page on your website and link to it from some text above your image - e.g. “Read a description of this infographic”
Use the text along with the image on social media.
Audio File
This audio file is a voiced version of the text discussed above.
Upload the soundfile to the same page as the infographic, and place above the graphic (some sites like Wordpress create an audio player for you, others may not). Label as “listen to an audio description of this infographic). If your website does not allow this, try the next step.
Sign up to an audio hosting site like https://soundcloud.com/ - here you can upload your audio file, and create a player to share and embed across your channels.
Try a free tools like Headliner https://make.headliner.app to create nifty little audiograms with sound wave animation and captions.
… but I’m open to new ideas
This is a new offering for me.
I’m trying to do a lot of work at understanding accessibility needs / inclusive design and I’m always open to feedback and ideas of how I can do better.
If you’re a client who’s received files from me, would you have preferred something different? More options? An audiogram as standard?
Tell me … drop me an email