There are many ways to approach your brand’s visual identity. If you are a customer-facing creator, it’s likely you will lean into more color and bold lines than a business-facing manufacturer or educator, which may want to instill a more austere sense of authority. However, a beautiful color palette and smart social media strategy still won’t be effective without a clear, well-designed message that can reach the entirety of your potential audience. At its core, Universal Design creates avenues of accessibility in any type of human-centered design, from architecture and landscaping to mobile app development and graphic design.
The 7 Principles of Universal Design are:
- Equitable use
- Flexibility in use
- Intuitive simplicity
- Perceptible information
- Tolerance for error
- Low physical effort
- Size and space for approach and use
Your Content Relies on Universal Design
Whether you are a writer, artist, small business owner, or any other type of content creator, your message has little to no impact without an audience. Not every reader, viewer, or customer is going to look for content the same way; some search for business on TikTok first, others still rely on Instagram and Facebook, and most people still rely on word-of-mouth when it comes to new things.
Content creators have become adept at diversifying how to get messages out, such as recycling content on multiple platforms and getting their products in the hands of influencers. The goal behind these efforts comes down to one thing: reach more people. Although a person may love your type of content, they might not have the time or ability to sit down and read an online article or support your daily social media posts.
If you create content or are trying to expand your customer base, consider what barriers may be between your message and your potential audience. How can you best reach them, without expecting them to go out of their way to find you? How can you ensure equity in your ability to interact with those who wish to find your content or business?
Accessibility barriers you may want to consider in your digital design choices:
- color blindness
- visual impairment
- dexterity limitations
- internet connectivity
- mobile versus desktop displays
If universal design seems like something you are interested in prioritizing in your brand messaging, I offer free brand assessments upon request. Your FREE printer-friendly brand guide will include a surface-level Universal Design audit to get you started in your accessible design journey.
Have questions about this topic, or something else related to building your brand? Shoot me an email and I’ll do my best to help!
Jen Coe | Artist & Instructor 