Accessibility is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of dashboard design. In fact, good design practices that visualization designers are so religiously trying to follow are often at odds with good accessibility practices. Here are two points where these aspects of dashboard design clash.

1. Double Encoding

Double encoding refers to using two tools (e.g., colour and shape) to represent one variable. Good design practices recommend avoiding double encoding as it may signal that the two encoding tools are representing different measures. It also adds cognitive load. In contrast, good accessibility practices underline that colour should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information. Instead, other tools (like shape) should be used in tandem with colour. That comes as no surprise when considering that about 8% of human population is colour blind.

2. Too Much Text

Another good design advice is to reduce the amount of text on the dashboard to a minimum. However, if someone is blind or unable to read the graphs, then the dashboard is of no use. In these cases text boxes that describe the chart in detail are crucial. This way even blind people can use the dashboard utilizing applications that read out the text presented on the screen.

So when you are creating a dashboard next time, think about what is more important in your case: sleek or accessible design.