Top Accessibility Concerns Your Boss Needs To Know (Part 1)
- magviewin2050
- Nov 9, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 10, 2020
Author: Julianna Bellamy
Research by: Leanne Linetsky
Part 1 - Accessibility Trends In Digital Magazines
Inclusion is a popular topic in multiple industries today. Brands are recognizing the need for diversity and accommodations that wholly cater to society. This trend will become even more prominent in the future. Magazine readers, in particular, can expect to find more accessibility features, in both digital and print magazines within the next 30 years.
Text-to-Speech (TTS)
There are several influential methods within the industry which improve accessibility in digital documents. Particularly, one of the most common features is text-to-speech (TTS) which converts digital text into audio files for users with visual impairments, reduced visual acuity, and complete or partial blindness. Additionally, individuals with reading disorders like dyslexia, seniors, as well as those with limited mobility can also benefit from TTS options.
Lastly, as the number of people embracing fast-paced lifestyles continues to rise, opting for audio over text in digital documents will increase as a result. TTS options are simply a matter of convenience and, for others, they may simply prefer listening over reading.
Visual and Hearing Impairments
In addition to TTS, users with visual impairments may also benefit from keyboard interactivity. Keyboard interactivity provides an alternative to tracking tiny cursors on a screen that may be difficult to see for some. Users with visual impairments tend to rely exclusively on keyboards when navigating digital devices. Consequently, features like links and menu options on web pages must be accessible by keyboard.
For those with other visual impairments such as, light sensitivity or astigmatism, vital features such as a toggle for light and dark mode can enhance the user’s experience significantly. For some, websites designed using the traditional light palette (dark text on a white background) can cause substantial eye strain. However, this issue can be easily resolved by offering a dark mode option in your digital publication (as this reduces eye strain in all readers viewing their screens for an extended period or in dark environments). That said, solely offering a dark mode option can alienate readers with different needs. For instance, those with astigmatism, a condition that affects approximately 50% of the population. This segment sometimes experiences a blurry halo around white-on-black text, such as that used in dark mode designs. Offering both pallets is the best way to ensure your online publication is accessible to all readers.
Lastly, for individuals with partial or full hearing impairments, subtitles or transcripts are essential. Therefore, all video and audio files provided through your online publication must include these features.
Dyslexia
“According to the International Dyslexia Association, 15-20% of the population has a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties. Dyslexia affects males and females nearly equally as well as people from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds nearly equally.”
Source: (Dyslexia Canada, 2020)
Dyslexia affects a substantial percentage of the population, making it difficult for these readers to engage with your publication; TTS is a prime solution to accommodate these users. However, typeface selection is also an important accessibility consideration. In fact, there are specialized typefaces designed to accommodate dyslexic readers; however, it has been found to be distracting to those without the condition. Nevertheless, you can still utilize this option by offering a toggle option between dyslexic and non-dyslexic types in your online publication. Lastly, the use of larger, monospaced text and substantial leading also increases readability for dyslexic and non-dyslexic users.
For more information on how your publication can effectively accommodate dyslexic readers visit:
Limited Mobility
Reflowing text is a critical online accessibility feature for users with limited mobility. Many have difficulty zooming in and out on touch screen devices, therefore, having text that reflows to fit the screen reduces the amount of panning and zooming required; creating a more user-friendly experience. This feature also increases general user satisfaction, as scrolling back and forth to read an article can be irritating to many.
SOURCES
Dyslexia Canada. (2020). Dyslexia Basics.
https://www.dyslexiacanada.org/dyslexia-
basics#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20International%20Dyslexia,reading%2C
%20writing%20and%20spelling%20difficulties
Glassman, E., Guo, P., Jackson, D., Karger, D., Kim, J., Miller, R., Sims, C., …Zhang, H. (2016,
Spring). UI Hall of Fame or Shame? Retrieved November 03, 2020, from
Inclusive Docs. (2020). Accessible Magazine and Newspaper Software.
Inclusive Publishing. (2020). Digital content empowers accessible reading.
Locke, H. (2020, March 31). Why dark mode causes more accessibility issues than it solves.
Gitconnected.
https://levelup.gitconnected.com/why-dark-mode-causes-more-accessibility-issues-
than-it-solves-d2f8359bb46a
York University. (2020). Principles of Print Accessible Design.
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