Accessibility built in or not as the case may be.
Sep 20, 2023
I love this software, used it for many years. Wait for it - Accessibility, if you select the standard colours in format and run them through a checker they are not accessible to AA standard and you need to adjust them. So why does Articulate not preset the preset colours to AA standard to save time? It is the same with stock image providers they offer graphics that are not accessible don't they know? Care? I hear so much about accessibility improvements yet they cannot get the basics right, yes you can alter the colours however I want speed and also the knowledge that the colour suggested is fit for the purpose. Do you guys at Articulate not use this for creating accessible lessons/ tutorials?
A free resource to help you with this: https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/
Please no excuses like I can create my own presets, I would rather it was out of the box. Rant over.
7 Replies
The buttons on this page are not accessible - Ratio 2.11:1 The colour combo fails on every level. Just to point out 'we are all about accessibility' might need to work on that. Second minor rant over.
Hi Eric,
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on accessibility in Storyline 360 and here on the community forums. Since you've been a Storyline user for many years, you've been on our journey as we work to continually improve accessibility.
We are currently committed to empowering creators to deliver accessible courses. I can certainly understand how more default and automated accessible features would be beneficial to saving you time. Similar to this request, we have already introduced theme contrast control in Rise 360.
Would you be able to share additional details around what you would like to see when you mention "if you select the standard colours in format"? I want to make sure we have your request documented properly.
We are also aware of the button contrast on this page and agree that it needs accessibility attention.
I would agree if accessibility is a selling point the default colours in Storyline should be changed to be accessible.
I believe the standard colours in Storyline match the PPT default colours. Although a little more work, changing the default colours should be the first thing you do in Storyline to differentiate your work. Articulate could help by allowing you to then set this as a default.
Hi,
I use the format shape styles quite a bit, it used to be this was not an issue now I have to check contrast for every inserted shape with a solid colour background. The attached screengrab is the Format (quick format even) for those shapes and since we always seem to add text the accessibility has to be at least AA for smaller font sizes. As you know. I would like the offered colours (so no change to the system just the offered or initial colours) to meet a minimum of AA for small font sizes. If that cannot be done then add a user option that's more visible for us to set the colours and that storyline will remember. Possibly add a webAim style contrast checker for accessibility into the ribbon that would be a positive step down the path.
Anyway like I say love the product just the devil is in the details.
I replied to your email on this hope it helps.
Hello Eric,
Thanks for sharing additional information!
I wanted to check if you've already tried setting the default theme in Storyline 360? You only need to do this once as this setting will get applied to any succeeding new projects that you create. Not exactly an out of the box solution, but at least this will only need to be done this one time.
Additionally, the following article might also help you with creating a theme that will be use for all of your projects.
Hope this helps!
Hello, and thanks,
I'm sort of saying that's not the point. I understand how it's more of a 'This should be the standard setup for the reasons mentioned'. I appreciate the information though.