When making a poster, try to make it inclusive by addressing these recommendations.
Posters should be easy to read by everyone, regardless of their background or education level. Avoid using jargon, abbreviations, or overly complex language. Use plain language principles. According to the Plain Language Association International, writing in plain language means structuring sentences in a way that non-experts can understand at first glance.
Fonts should be legible for everyone, including people with visual impairments. Sans-serif fonts (like Arial or Verdana) are recommended for readability. Font size should be at least 24pt for body text, and higher for titles. According to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a font size of 18pt and above is considered large enough for visually impaired users.
Organize the poster so that the most important information stands out. Use bold or larger fonts for key points. The Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception show that people are more likely to retain information when it is clearly structured.
Images help communicate ideas faster and are helpful for individuals with low literacy or non-native speakers. According to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, multiple forms of representation (visual, textual, etc.) enhance accessibility.
Ensure that visuals represent a diverse range of people, including different races, genders, and abilities. The National Center on Disability and Journalism advises avoiding stereotypical images or tokenism, ensuring authentic representation.
High contrast between text and background ensures readability for people with visual impairments. The WCAG recommends a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for text to be considered accessible.
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