Make your data count: designing accessible charts and graphs

This blog is written by Heather Pennington and Alex Stewart from the Learning and Teaching Academy.

Charts and graphs are powerful tools for presenting data in a clear and engaging way but without thoughtful design, they can create barriers for some learners. For students using screen readers or those with visual impairments, poorly designed visuals can make key information difficult, or impossible, to access.

Creating accessible charts isn’t just good practice, it supports Cardiff University’s commitment to inclusive education and helps meet our legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations.

Here are some simple ways to make your visuals more inclusive:

• Use descriptive text (not just alt text)

Alt text should provide a short summary of the chart’s purpose, but the main message should also be explained in the surrounding text. For example: “Bar chart showing a 30% increase in student enrolment from 2020 to 2024.” This ensures all users can understand the key takeaway.

• Include data tables and downloads

Providing the underlying data in a table makes charts accessible in a non-visual format. Where possible, also offer a downloadable version (e.g. Excel) so users can explore the data in a way that works for them.

• Use meaningful titles and labels

Make your chart title do more than describe, use it to highlight the main insight. Label data directly where possible, rather than relying on legends, which can be difficult to interpret without relying on colour.

• Avoid colour-only meaning

Colour alone shouldn’t be used to show differences in data. Use labels, patterns, or textures (e.g. stripes or dots) to make categories clear for users with colour vision differences.

• Ensure good contrast and readability

Choose high-contrast colours and keep text (axis labels, legends, annotations) large and clear. Use simple, sans serif fonts and avoid rotating text where possible, as this can make reading more difficult.

• Keep it simple

Avoid clutter such as unnecessary gridlines, 3D effects, or overly complex chart types. Clear, focused visuals are easier for everyone to understand and more accessible.

Explore further

For those interested in exploring the topic further, check out the GOV.UK Accessible Charts Checklist and the W3C Images and Complex Content guidance for more tips, practical examples, and best practice.

The new Considering Colour Vision Deficiency resource from the LTA offers practical hints, tips, and strategies for making learning materials and resources more accessible for people living with Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD).

Need help?

For more tips on enhancing accessibility explore the Digital Accessibility Guide today and put accessibility and inclusion at the heart of your teaching and learning this year.

Contact us

If you’d like further support or have suggestions for future blog topics, please get in touch with the Learning and Teaching Academy at [email protected].