Equitable Access to Public Information and the Role of the Graphic Designer | Christine Woolley

Welcome

Hello and thank you for joining me in my virtual exhibit on equitable access to public information and the role of the graphic designer.

The aim of this exhibit is to introduce pathways for visitors to gain an understanding of accessible and inclusive design, within the context of graphic design, and to shift mindsets and motivations towards inclusion. I am also looking to create opportunities for research connections. If you would like to connect and discuss my research further, please connect with me at christine.woolley@student.ocadu.ca.

Introduction to my research

Problem space

As the world becomes increasingly digital, almost all communication materials end up on the web. It is vitally important for graphic designers, who often work with print media, to be knowledgeable in applying steps to make their materials accessible and inclusive online.

On June 17, 2021, the B.C. legislature passed the Accessible British Columbia Act into law. The new act will remove barriers and create accessibility standards throughout the province (Government of British Columbia, 2021). As part of the act, graphic designers will be required to ensure their materials are accessible, but there may be limited capacity within the design community in B.C. to meet these new requirements. Studies have shown a lack of consideration has been given to visual accessibility in print-based graphic design (Cornishet al., 2015), and many designers don’t have the knowledge or experience to implement accessibility into their design solutions (Forlizzi & Lebbon, 2002; Lee et al., 2020; Zitkus et al., 2013).

Purpose of the research and potential significance

This research will seek to investigate the ability of the graphic design community in B.C. to successfully meet the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act and to co-create a framework and set of recommendations on how government can support the graphic design industry during this transition. This will be an initial step in preparing the graphic design industry in B.C. to meet the new requirements and to begin to think beyond accessibility legislation compliance.

If we can build awareness, ability, capacity, and motivation among graphic designers, designers will be more likely to develop materials with accessibility in mind, ultimately increasing inclusive and equitable access to public information.

Benefits of the research and ethical considerations

This research is intended to lead to greater awareness on the importance of creating visually accessible public documents (both in print and online), to create greater cohesion between graphic designer, content creator and individuals who rely on accessible delivery, to increase equitable access to public information, and to create a knowledge base of best practice for visual accessibility based on user needs.

The ethical considerations of not preparing the graphic design industry in considering accessibility are simple; if graphic designers don’t consider accessibility in their designs, they create barriers and exclude people from accessing and using the information (Owen, 2016). Graphic designers need to be knowledgeable in building accessibility into their designs to ensure the content is accessible to individuals with disabilities and anyone who relies on accessible delivery of information.

Meet Christine