Design de Plume Inc.’s Post

We recently sat down to chat with Jenn Taback, who is a member of Shawanaga First Nation and Co-CEO at Design de Plume. She shared some great insights about the diverse and complex landscape of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. One question she hears from clients is: How can we find commonalities and points of connection between so many different groups? The DDP team spends a lot of time thinking about the history of communication in Indigenous cultures—what languages were/are spoken then and now, how symbols are used, the significance of different colours and shapes, and so on. From this, we can start to understand the nuances that inform communication for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis across Canada. When we understand the nuances, we can distill some commonalities and craft messaging that reach a broader audience while still feeling culturally appropriate for the intended audience. Wondering how to create design projects that resonate with your audience? Get in touch to learn more about Design de Plume’s strategic approach to creating culturally-informed design solutions.

Making your website accessible doesn't have to be hard, no matter what size your business is. Alisa Smith, CPACC, our Accessibility Evangelist, breaks it down for you and your team. For small companies, the focus should be on impactful, straightforward steps. These changes, such as adding headings, labeling form fields, and ensuring links are descriptive, make a big difference for users with disabilities and are manageable and easy to implement. For larger organizations, accessibility requires a structured approach. Start with creating policies that carry weight, can be enforced, and are backed by leadership! Assigning accountability and responsibility within your organization ensures sustained commitment. Explore how AudioEye can help your business build a more inclusive digital presence by visiting us at https://lnkd.in/eXSffrz9! Transcript: Alisa: I think small companies have to be realistic and kind of get the, you know, proverbial biggest bang for your buck. So start with simple things like adding headings, making sure that your form fields are labeled, making sure that your links all have some sort of text in them, that they're descriptive. Simple things. I think the larger you get the more complex it can become. But I think larger companies have to start with policy. They have to have a policy that has a little bit of teeth, that has to have some enforcement. It has to have someone responsible for that enforcement, someone responsible for accessibility. Video Description: Alisa is a middle-aged white woman with long, curly brown hair who is wearing a black top in a beige room. 

When does your team think about accessibility? Maybe a weird question for some, but we always see the difference when a group has considered accessible requirements early on (hint, that's what inclusive design practice kind of is). Whether you make software, deliver coaching, write books or design brands, thinking about how to make your work available to as many people in your audience as possible has huge benefits! - There will likely be less rework later (save money) - You are actively showing up for those who navigate the world differently (be authentic) - You will reach more people (increase engagement) I'd love to know when your team thinks about accessibility and what that looks like for you.

Accessibility isn’t optional; it’s essential. From physical spaces to digital content, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need is crucial. One invaluable tool that has deepened my understanding of accessible design is the Practical Handbook developed by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD). Check it out through the link below 📘 💬 I'd love to hear from you! What steps have you seen organizations take to improve accessibility? 🔗 Practical Handbook on Accessibility by RGD: https://lnkd.in/gM2fhXR5

Designers are often young, while many of the people they design for are older. Designers tend to rely on their own experiences to judge whether a design works for all readers. But what works for one person may not work for others, especially as we age. So, how can we ensure our designs are accessible to all ages? The good news is that science offers research-backed rules of thumb to guide us. In this post, I’ll share how these insights can lead to more inclusive design decisions for a broader audience.

It's Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Saturday 18th May! For this GAAD, why not consider whether or not your content is accessible for people using screen readers? 📖 Clarion’s Strategic and Creative Communication team offers a comprehensive range of solutions aimed at driving meaningful behavioural change and engagement for our clients. This means we want our messaging to be as accessible as possible, to as many people as possible. 💬 For individuals using screen readers, using the right formatting and adjustments can be the difference having access to information. To ensure that everyone can read your content, ensure: 🔎 Clear and concise alt text for online images or documents ✨ Use alt text only when images significantly enhance content meaning, marking other images as decorative to minimise distractions 📍 Use paragraph styles to designate Titles, Headings, and paragraph types, allowing screen readers navigate content accurately For more information on accessibility in design, read our newest blog post today, written by one of our Graphic and Visual Designers, Hannah, for GAAD. https://lnkd.in/e2Cs_ENZ #Accessibility #Inclusion #ScreenReaderFriendly #DigitalContent #GAAD

I am really appalled by some of the Human Design advice out there, especially when given by someone who managed to position themselves as somewhat of an Authority (huge audience, surface-level content)... There is just so much of it out there in every industry these days. But when a client comes to me, frustrated, being told they should not do "THIS" based on their openness, and when I look at them - THIS is precisely what is so attractive about them - oh, I just cannot hold it back! Here is an example resulting in an article on my blog. https://lnkd.in/dmn4iyfz

Paul Rand’s design philosophy transformed how we think about visual communication. His impactful quotes inspire us to push boundaries and approach design with fresh perspectives. Let's discuss: Which of his ideas resonate with you the most? How do you apply them in your own work? Drop your thoughts in the 💬 comments or share how Paul Rand’s wisdom has influenced your approach to design! #GraphicDesign #DesignInspiration #PaulRand #DesignQuotes #CreativeThinking #VisualCommunication #DesignPhilosophy

Help Shape the Future of Australian Identity through Design Are you a visual communication designer in Australia? I invite you to participate in my PhD research survey at Deakin University, which explores how graphic symbols contribute to shaping Australia's cultural identity. By sharing your insights, you'll be part of a conversation that seeks to uncover new, contemporary representations of our nation. Whether you're a design student, an emerging designer with less than five years of experience, or a seasoned professional, your perspective is invaluable. Together, we can explore how the future of Australia's national identity could evolve through visual communication. Your voice matters—join the conversation and contribute to shaping Australia's future visual identity.