As industries evolve rapidly, businesses must create brands that resonate with everyone, including people with disabilities. Accessible branding goes beyond aesthetics – it’s about designing an identity that all individuals can engage with comfortably. By thoughtfully selecting elements like logos, colors, and fonts that are clear and easy to perceive, you ensure your brand is both inclusive and impactful. This blog provides practical tips to make your brand visually accessible, allowing you to reach a broader audience without compromising your unique identity.
Why Accessible Branding Matters
1
It’s the Right Thing to Do
Accessible branding isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about doing what’s right. Making your brand accessible helps people with disabilities feel included and shows that you value every individual in your audience.
2
Reaching a Broader Audience
Over a billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. Creating an accessible brand allows you to connect with this large, often underserved group, helping grow your customer base.
3
Building a Stronger Brand
An accessible brand reflects inclusivity and forward-thinking, enhancing your reputation and making people more likely to trust and engage with you.
Key Elements for Accessible Branding
Logo
- Keep It Simple: Your logo should be easily recognizable at any size. Avoid intricate details or complex shapes to ensure it remains clear, even from a distance or on various devices.
- Use High Contrast: Ensure your logo stands out against its background. High contrast makes it easier for people with low vision to see. Test your logo in color and black-and-white to confirm it works well in all situations.
Typography (Fonts)
- Choose Easy-to-Read Fonts: Select fonts that are simple and not overly decorative. Fonts with clear, distinct letters are easier for everyone to read, particularly people with dyslexia or low vision.
- Maintain Spacing and Order: Use adequate spacing between letters and lines and create a clear text hierarchy by using different font sizes and weights to make your content easy to follow.
Color Schemes
- Check Color Contrast: Ensure there’s enough contrast between your text and background colors. Use contrast checker tools to confirm readability, especially for those with color blindness or visual impairments.
- Don’t Rely on Colors Alone: Avoid relying solely on color to convey information. For example, don’t just use red to signal an error – add an icon or text to clarify your message.
- Choose a Universal Color Palette: Consider how your colors look to people with different types of color blindness. Tools like Color Oracle can help you preview your color scheme for inclusivity.
Steps to Make Your Brand More Inclusive
1
Review Your Branding Elements
Evaluate your current logos, fonts, and color schemes to determine if they are accessible. Make adjustments to improve readability and clarity as needed.
2
Test Your Brand’s Accessibility
Use online tools and gather feedback from users on your brand’s accessibility. This will help identify areas for improvement.
3
Create Guidelines
Develop an internal guide on accessible branding practices, covering font usage, color choices, and logo adaptation to ensure consistency across your brand.
4
Train Your Team
Educate your design and marketing teams on the importance of accessibility. Ensure they understand how to create designs that are clear and usable for all.
Conclusion
Accessible branding isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating meaningful connections and building trust with all members of your audience. By thoughtfully designing logos, colors, and fonts that everyone can engage with, you demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and expand your brand’s reach. When your brand is accessible, it becomes more than a visual identity – it becomes a statement of values. Embrace accessible branding to foster an inclusive, welcoming brand that resonates with everyone, including people with disabilities, and strengthens your reputation as a forward-thinking, empathetic business.
Contact us to explore how our expertise can help meet your needs and achieve your goals.
Manish Surti
Senior Designer
Digital Experience
