Where Is the Data? Making Data Visualizations Accessible to All
The Charles Library at Temple University hosted a webinar in which the speakers focused on how to make data visualizations more accessible. Since data visualization\’s main goal is to tell a story, it’s important to think carefully about the types of charts you use and how you present the information. At the same time, it’s just as important to make sure your visuals are accessible to different groups of people. Simple choices like using high-contrast colors and easy-to-read fonts can make a big difference. On the technical side, everything in a visualization should also be clearly labeled so computers and assistive technologies can interpret it correctly as well as including efficient accessibility measures.. This includes using headings and adding descriptions to images and charts. This topic connects directly to my courses, as I’m currently taking data visualization classes. While I will continue to learn how to present data effectively, I also need to make sure my work is clear and accessible to a wide audience.