Design & Accessibility
Color Code Chart
Overview
How might we update PING’s New Color Code Chart to adhere to guidelines and best practices for accessibility associated with printed posters?
Objective
Release a version of the color code chart that clearly reflects the new way of club fitting that also meets guidelines for accessibility and large-print media.
Background & Assumptions
At PING the Color Code Chart is a critical reference guide provided to fitters to assist in adhering to the PING fitting process and fitting golfers into the appropriate clubs. While at PING, marketing had just given this poster an update due to a fundamental change in the way it would work moving forward; however, at the same time, direction from leadership just escalated the importance of making public facing materials conform to accessiblity standards. Since the new design of the updated poster had not been released to the public, it was clear that some changes would need to be implemented before it could be released. Marketing did not have the bandwidth to take on the refresh with the newly imposed accessibility requirements, and the software team I was on just spent several weeks reading up on accessibility best practices. Although official print regulations did not exist, I was able to track down some guidelines on large printed media.
Color Code Chart Provided From Marketing
Requirements
After doing my own research, here are the guidelines that applied:
– Minimum font size of 16-18 points, sans serif font
– Titles and headings should be larger than the text of the document
– Avoid all caps in titles, use sentence or title case
– Avoid putting images or graphics behind text
– Aim to have high visual color contrast between a background and text
Additional Considerations
After reviewing the Color Code Chart provided to me, I also received key stakeholder input to make the shape overlayed on top of the green, blue, black and red section “pop” and “stand out” from the rest of the chart and colors.
Solution
The below chart was fundamental to my change of heart on making all designs meet accessibility standards and criteria (printed or online). During this project I had my “Ah ha moment,” where I realized universal designs that consider people with disabilities, not only improve the experience for those users, but also extends the benefit to anyone who needs to access the specific content.
More Accessible Color Code Chart
Try it out for yourself.
Using this side by side comparison of the two charts, answer the following questions:
– What is the largest wrist to floor measurement in inches?
– If you are a gold color code, how many degrees flat are you?
– If your height is 6’0 and your wrist to floor is 34” – which color code are you?
