Designing Accessible Visualization for People with Disabilities (IDD)

Abstract

Data visualization is an increasingly important tool in today's society. However, using visualization requires mastery of numeracy, graphicacy, and data literacy, which create a barrier for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Since 2018, we have been exploring how visualization can better serve this population, particularly in the context of financial self-advocacy and decision-making. We conducted a web-based mixed methods experiment with 34 participants with and without IDD to understand how they interpret data differently, and how various design elements may impact visualization accessibility. Project page: https://cu-visualab.org/IDD/idd/ . Drawing on that experiment, this talk will cover topics from study design to hypothesis development, to the guidelines for creating accessible visualization. Following that will be an empathetic design session, participants will work in groups and build accessible data representations using provided personas & prompts to address different types of cognitive challenges.

About the instructor

Keke Wu is a PhD student in Creative Technology & Design at University of Colorado Boulder. Her research looks at Visualization & Cognitive Accessibility, particularly through interactive design & storytelling. Keke believes in the power of visual cognition and communication, and she hopes to capture the diversity and vibrancy of humanity and help people of all ability levels reach their full potential through art and technology. Find more about her work at www.kekewu.me & @kekewu728.