Intermediate level · Module 4: Interactive Dashboards and Sharing Workbooks · Lesson 2 of 3
Design and Accessibility
Make dashboards clear for everyone, including people using screen readers or with colour vision deficiency.
In this lesson you will
- Apply visual design principles
- Run and act on the accessibility checker
Key concepts
visual hierarchycolour contrastalt textaccessibility checker
The lesson
Clear dashboards use a grid, consistent fonts and colours, direct labels instead of legends where possible and as little decoration as possible.
Do not rely on colour alone: add labels or icons, and use colour combinations that colour-blind users can distinguish. Check contrast for readability.
Add alt text to charts, give sheets meaningful names and run Review > Check Accessibility to find and fix problems.
Step by step
- Apply a grid and consistent styles.
- Replace colour-only signals with labels.
- Add alt text to charts.
- Run the accessibility checker and fix issues.
Practice activity
Improve the dashboard's design and accessibility.
Expected result: A dashboard that passes the accessibility checker and reads clearly.
Check your understanding
-
Why not rely on colour alone?
Show answer
Some users cannot distinguish certain colours.
-
What is alt text for?
Show answer
Describing charts for people using screen readers.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.