Thinking Well Design Firm

Creating visuals that embrace inclusivity is a crucial element of design, contributing to the establishment of a diverse and inclusive global environment. This blog post aims to emphasize the significance of inclusive visuals and offer guidance on their development, drawing inspiration from various sources.

Visual content possesses a powerful capacity to shape our perceptions of the world and its inhabitants. Our exposure to images of individuals is incessant, be it through social media, websites, television, advertisements, printed materials, or our day-to-day encounters. However, not all visuals are created equal; certain images may perpetuate exclusion or even cause harm to specific groups.

The creation of inclusive visuals represents a pivotal stride toward fostering a diverse and inclusive world. Inclusive visuals encompass a broad spectrum of individuals, encompassing diverse backgrounds, cultures, abilities, ages, genders, and races. They are meticulously designed to ensure accessibility for all and to advocate for diversity and inclusivity.

The task of sourcing inclusive visuals can be intimidating. Many designers choose to utilize copyright-free visuals during the creative process. However, the selection of copyright-free visuals is often limited, and seeking out inclusive copyright visuals can prove to be a challenging endeavor. Consequently, one of the primary methods to acquire exceptional, inclusive, and copyright-free visuals is to develop them personally.

Outlined below are some recommendations for creating inclusive visuals:

1. Highlighting actual customers:

Inclusive content can be crafted by showcasing real customers within visual assets. Bumble, for instance, exemplified this approach through its #FindThemOnBumble campaign.

2. Utilizing diverse models:

Incorporating diverse models is another effective approach to foster inclusive visuals. This entails featuring models from various age groups, races, genders, abilities, and body types.

3. Ensuring color contrast:

Individuals with visual impairments heavily rely on tools such as screen readers to navigate the internet and comprehend visual information. To ensure the accessibility of your visuals to all users, it is essential to verify color contrast.

4. Employing alt text:

Alt text serves as a textual description of an image, which is read aloud by screen readers. By implementing alt text, you can guarantee that everyone comprehends the content and context of your images.

5. Avoiding stereotypes:

A vital aspect of creating inclusive visuals is evading the use of stereotypes. Stereotypes can be detrimental and perpetuate exclusionary narratives targeting specific groups of people.

In conclusion, the creation of inclusive visuals is an integral stride toward establishing a more diverse and inclusive world. By adhering to these recommendations, you can develop visuals that are accessible to all individuals, while concurrently promoting diversity and inclusivity.