To design a virtual exhibition plan that incorporates accessibility tactics, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right platform
Look for platforms that allow, ideally:
- Easy navigation for keyboard users
- Screen reader or other assistive technologies compatibility
- Customizable font sizes and colour contrast options
- Integration of multimedia content
For instance, Frame offers real-time translation and Close Captions. Artsteps proposes audio description of pieces. Twine is pretty well accessible for people with visual impairments. Unfortunately, not all platforms are free to use. If you prefer to use a free platform, read the following guidelines to make your online exhibition the most accessible possible!
2. Plan Your exhibition layout
Create a clear and logical flow for your virtual exhibition. Consider the following:
- Organize content into themed sections
- Put headings: they help assistive technology users to navigate easily to each section
- Use a mix of multimedia elements (videos, images, audio)
- Incorporate interactive elements like virtual scavenger hunts or quizzes
- Provide multiple pathways for exploration to cater to different interests
3. Implement accessibility features
Ensure your exhibition is inclusive for all visitors by incorporating:
- Alternative text for images: write it in plain language. It must be between 5 and 15 words (about 140 characters). The main idea is to explain what is the information and why this image is used.
- Captions and transcripts for videos and audio content
- Check if captions are synchronized with the spoken content
- Also, ban auto-play for audio or videos, as it might interfere with a screen reader
- Run a harding test to prevent epileptic seizures
- Clear, readable fonts and sufficient colour contrast
- Descriptive links and buttons: writing meaningful text descriptions for hyperlinks allows screen reader users to understand their purpose. Also, be careful if you want your online visitors to “click the button”: you have to put a real button element instead of a link, otherwise it will be confusing for a screen reader which will look for it if there is only a link
- Use accessibility checkers like WAVE, for instance
Ensure visitors can easily navigate and enjoy the exhibition:
- Offer multilingual chatbots for quick assistance
- Create interactive maps and clear signage
By implementing these strategies, you’ll create an accessible and engaging virtual exhibition that caters to a diverse audience and provides an enriching experience for all visitors.
Discover more Digital Platform Analysis and Accessibility Checker’s Guidelines on OCAD University students’ blog