Module 4: Design Principles for Effective and Accessible Multimedia

Above is the report from the WAVE Accessibility check. All of the alerts and Contrasts Errors it generated didn’t have to do with any of the previous blog posts that I had made but rather the default settings in the way the opened.ca blog worked like the date links and poor colour contrast from the text and the background which is super interesting for this to point this out since I would have never noticed an issue with this. But I could see for someone that might be visually impaired that the grey text on the white background might be super hard to spot.

My Canva Infographic about Orcas:

List of Design Principles I used and how I used them:

Contrast:

• I used contrast by choosing bold white text against a blue background, making the message “Protect Our Oceans” stand out clearly. The orca’s black and white colours also contrast with the blue background, helping it catch the viewer’s attention.

Alignment:

• I used alignment by organizing the text and graphics to the left side, creating a clean and structured look. Aligning the text and box to the left provides a balanced feel and makes it easy for the viewer to follow the flow of information.

Hierarchy:

• I used hierarchy by making “Protect Our Oceans” the largest text, establishing it as the main message. The smaller font in the information box indicates it as supporting content, guiding the viewer’s attention from the primary message to the details.

Proximity:

• I used proximity by placing the text box near the orca illustration, connecting the information about orcas in British Columbia closely with the image. This layout helps viewers link the visual of the orca with the text information.

Negative Space (White Space):

• I used negative space by leaving open areas around the text and the orca illustration, preventing clutter and enhancing readability. This white space gives each element room to breathe, making the design look clean and organized.

Balance:

• I used balance by placing the orca on the right side of the poster and the text on the left, creating an even distribution of visual weight. This balanced layout makes the design look cohesive and easy on the eyes.

Repetition:

• I used repetition by consistently applying the colour white for the text and lines, which helps unify the design. I also used the same bold, sans-serif font throughout, giving the poster a cohesive look.

Colour:

• I used a limited colour palette of blue, white, and black to keep the design clean and focused. The blue background symbolizes the ocean and complements the orca’s colours, making the poster visually relevant to its theme.

Reflection:

After running the WAVE report and and creating my Canva I realized how grey and non contrasting my website is. I realized I should probably change it to be less grey and white to make it more accessible for all users who would like to browse my blog. I also learned that creating and designing informative posters is rather easy with Canva. Inclusive design to me is something like a sign or poster that anyone could read no matter who you are. Thinking about airports and how they are designed is all about inclusive design. All symbols used are global. bathroom signs, warning signs, even directions are in every language. I think in this modern world that is super important since everyone is so different and comes from all different backgrounds. When designing my Canva I wanted to make it as inclusive as possible by having a massive image of an Orca and very simple text to convey the message. The Orca is so unique nothing else on this planet looks like it and the words “Protect Our Oceans” Is simple and easily translatable. I enjoyed this unit and it made me appreciate the professionalism and principles that go behind infographic design.