Before someone can evaluate, analyze, or use information, they must first be able to access it. But what happens when the way we design information becomes the barrier? Information is only valuable if everyone can access, understand, and use it effectively. In this interactive session, participants will examine how familiar document creation practices can unintentionally create barriers for some users. Through practical examples, they will discover simple design choices that can significantly improve accessibility and usability without increasing time or effort. Rather than focusing on fixing accessibility issues after publication, this session encourages participants to consider how design decisions influence who can access, evaluate, and use information. Participants will leave with practical strategies for creating digital resources that enable more people to find, navigate, understand, and use information effectively from the beginning.

Learning Outcomes: Recognize how common document creation practices can unintentionally create barriers to accessing digital information; Explain how designing with users’ needs in mind supports equitable access to information; Apply practical design strategies to create digital resources that enable more people to find, navigate, understand, and use information effectively.

Presenter: Gloria Barron

Faculty & Staff: Register for ILW events through Workday as well if you want professional development credits.