Basic Text Accessibility

Basic Text Accessibility

Overview

“Basic Text Accessibility” is an interactive micro-lesson designed to educate web designers and developers about the importance and best practices of accessible text and typography for creating inclusive web experiences.

I developed the lesson using Articulate Rise and used Camtasia, Adobe Character Animator, and Adobe After Effect to create the videos. I also used Adobe Illustrator to create the visuals throughout the course. Throughout the module, learners explore various aspects of text accessibility, such as font type selection, optimal font sizes, and enhancing text visibility.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

  • Identify appropriate font types that improve readability for all users,
  • Determine optimal font sizes for various devices and user need,
  • Apply background contrast ratios to enhance text visibility.

Primary and Secondary Audience

The primary audience for the course consists of web designers, developers, and content creators who want to ensure that their work is accessible and inclusive to all users, including those with visual impairments or disabilities.

While the main focus is on web design professionals, the course is also suitable for anyone interested in learning about the principles of accessible text and typography, such as UX/UI designers, digital marketers, and web accessibility advocates.

Instructional design approach

In creating “Basic Text Accessibility,” I’ve incorporated a variety of instructional strategies, such as (1) clear and concise explanations of key principles, supplemented by examples and visual aids to enhance understanding; (2) interactive activities and knowledge checks that reinforce learning and allow learners to practice identifying and applying accessible font practices; and (3) A comprehensive checklist and additional resources for learners to reference and use as they evaluate and improve their own work.

Primary and Secondary Audience

The primary audience for the course consists of web designers, developers, and content creators who want to ensure that their work is accessible and inclusive to all users, including those with visual impairments or disabilities.

While the main focus is on web design professionals, the course is also suitable for anyone interested in learning about the principles of accessible text and typography, such as UX/UI designers, digital marketers, and web accessibility advocates.

Instructional design approach

In creating “Basic Text Accessibility,” I’ve incorporated a variety of instructional strategies, such as (1) clear and concise explanations of key principles, supplemented by examples and visual aids to enhance understanding; (2) interactive activities and knowledge checks that reinforce learning and allow learners to practice identifying and applying accessible font practices; and (3) A comprehensive checklist and additional resources for learners to reference and use as they evaluate and improve their own work.

Accessibility Considerations

Throughout the course, I’ve ensured that all content adheres to web accessibility standards, making the learning experience inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

Here are some of the key accessibility considerations I’ve implemented throughout the course:

  1. Text: I have used accessible font types and sizes, along with sufficient contrast ratios, to ensure that text is easily readable for all users. Additionally, I’ve structured the content with clear headings, lists, and short paragraphs to improve readability and facilitate navigation.

  2. Visuals: Non-decorative images and visuals used in the course include descriptive alternative text (alt text) to provide equivalent information for users who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies.

  3. Interactivity: Interactive elements, such as knowledge checks and activities, are keyboard-accessible and compatible with screen readers, ensuring that all learners can participate and engage with the content.

  4. Video: Any video content included in the course is accompanied by captions, transcripts, or other alternative means of accessing the information for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  5. Consistency and Predictability: I have maintained a consistent layout, navigation, and design throughout the course to help learners quickly familiarize themselves with the structure and focus on the content.

Accessibility Considerations

Throughout the course, I’ve ensured that all content adheres to web accessibility standards, making the learning experience inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

Here are some of the key accessibility considerations I’ve implemented throughout the course:

  1. Text: I have used accessible font types and sizes, along with sufficient contrast ratios, to ensure that text is easily readable for all users. Additionally, I’ve structured the content with clear headings, lists, and short paragraphs to improve readability and facilitate navigation.

  2. Visuals: Non-decorative images and visuals used in the course include descriptive alternative text (alt text) to provide equivalent information for users who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies.

  3. Interactivity: Interactive elements, such as knowledge checks and activities, are keyboard-accessible and compatible with screen readers, ensuring that all learners can participate and engage with the content.

  4. Video: Any video content included in the course is accompanied by captions, transcripts, or other alternative means of accessing the information for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  5. Consistency and Predictability: I have maintained a consistent layout, navigation, and design throughout the course to help learners quickly familiarize themselves with the structure and focus on the content.

Assessment and evaluation

To ensure that learners effectively grasp the concepts presented in the lessons, I have incorporated various assessment and evaluation methods.

  1. Knowledge Checks: Throughout the course, I have included low-stake quizzes to help learners test their understanding of the material and reinforce key concepts. These knowledge checks also provide instant feedback, allowing learners to learn from their mistakes and gain further clarity on the topic.

  2. Interactive Activities: Learners engage in interactive activities such as font identification tasks and contrast ratio evaluations, allowing them to apply their new skills and knowledge in a practical context. These hands-on experiences help to solidify learning and encourage deeper comprehension.

  3. Final Assessment: At the end of the course, learners are asked to complete a final assessment that tests their understanding of the core concepts and principles covered throughout the modules. This assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of the learner’s progress and mastery of the subject matter.

  4. Learner Feedback: To continuously improve the course and ensure its effectiveness, I encourage learners to provide feedback through a post-course survey. This valuable input allows me to identify areas for improvement and adapt the course to better meet the needs and expectations of future learners.

By incorporating these assessment and evaluation methods, I aim to create a well-rounded and engaging learning experience that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of skills.

Experience the Lesson

Ready to experience the micro-lesson for yourself?

Click the “Launch Basic Text Accessibility” button to access the module and learn about text accessibility.

Experience the Micro-lesson

Ready to experience the micro-lesson for yourself?

Click the “Launch Basic Text Accessibility” button to access the module and learn about text accessibility.

Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate.

Saeide Mirzaei

Instructional Designer

All works on this website by Saeide Mirzaei are licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. The Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) grants visitors to this website the right to share and distribute the works by Saeide Mirzaei found on this website, as long as they give appropriate credit, do not use them for commercial purposes, and do not modify or create derivative works based on them. This license provides a clear and simple way for visitors to use and share the content on this website while protecting the integrity of the original works.

Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate.

Saeide Mirzaei

Instructional Designer

All works on this website by Saeide Mirzaei are licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. The Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) grants visitors to this website the right to share and distribute the works by Saeide Mirzaei found on this website, as long as they give appropriate credit, do not use them for commercial purposes, and do not modify or create derivative works based on them. This license provides a clear and simple way for visitors to use and share the content on this website while protecting the integrity of the original works.

Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate.

Saeide Mirzaei

Instructional Designer

All works on this website by Saeide Mirzaei are licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. The Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) grants visitors to this website the right to share and distribute the works by Saeide Mirzaei found on this website, as long as they give appropriate credit, do not use them for commercial purposes, and do not modify or create derivative works based on them. This license provides a clear and simple way for visitors to use and share the content on this website while protecting the integrity of the original works.