ArcGIS Dashboards provides different options to create more accessible dashboards, but as the author, it's up to you to incorporate these capabilities into your dashboards. By incorporating accessibility requirements into the dashboard design, you help ensure that more users can effectively navigate, understand, and engage with the information presented.
The following sections describe accessibility features that require configuration from the dashboard author.
Best practices for dashboards
The following sections provide best practices for accessibility in dashboards.
Dashboard header
A short, descriptive title in the header panel provides context to your dashboard and is the first thing read by screen readers. The header panel title is automatically styled as Heading 1 (<h1>) and should be the only H1 heading on the page.
Note:
Heading hierarchy is important for accessibility. H1 is used for the header of the dashboard, H2 for element titles, H3 for subtitles, and paragraphs for captions and other text. Following this hierarchy ensures proper navigation and meets accessibility standards.
Theme
All dashboard themes meet minimum color contrast requirements. The use of Light, Dark, and Enhanced contrast themes supports better color contrast and low vision considerations.
Color contrast checker
This is available in the Custom theme panel, providing information to ensure that text and background colors have sufficient contrast. When selecting custom colors, be sure to check the legibility using the color contrast ratio shown in color contrast checker.
Best practices for dashboard elements
Here are some best practices for accessibility in dashboards elements:
Element titles
Each element or data visualization should include a visible and descriptive title to provide better context. Element titles are automatically styled as Heading 2 (H2).
Accessible names
The Accessible Name property for the elements allows you to update with a short unique description that is specific to the data visualization. This allows individuals using assistive technology to identify the content and for it to be read by a screen reader.
More information
This tool can be used to provide descriptive text, context, or information for elements, especially charts. Since it supports rich text, authors should ensure that the text remains clear and accessible.
Tables
There are several accessibility features for tables that can be configured based on the dashboard's needs. Authors should be mindful of these settings, as they can impact how easily users interpret the data.
- Table size—Increase the size from the default of Medium to Large.
- Header row—Include and update column headers to show proper capitalization and spacing.
- Summary row—For aggregated or grouped values, include the summary row for clarity.
- Values—Keep the default theme color and text decoration settings for consistency.
- Advanced formatting—Use sparingly and with consideration for color, images, and overall styling. For example, avoid presenting information only visually, such as distinguishing rows by color.
Serial chart and pie chart
For serial chart or pie chart, the following are some accessibility considerations:
- Text size—Increase the text size for the axis titles and labels.
- Color—Choose a theme first and then create the chart. This ensures the default colors used have sufficient color contrast between categories and the colors will complement the theme.
- Labels—Use series or slice labels instead of a legend.
Map
For maps, the following are some accessibility considerations:
- Basemaps—Many basemaps use rich colors and intricate details that can distract from your data. Improve clarity and accessibility with bold labels and high-contrast elements. Allow the user to switch between light and dark options by enabling the basemap switcher in the map settings. Conversely, selecting a basemap such as Light Grey or Dark Grey Canvas allows for better contrast with your map layers.
- Styling features—Color choice affects how users with color vision deficiencies interpret map data. Avoid relying solely on color to convey information. Use varying symbol size or shape to represent data and emphasize key features.
- Filters and layer effects—Use layer effects and filters to reduce visual clutter and draw attention to key information. Avoid fast-moving visuals, repetitive patterns, or overly complex effects that can hinder accessibility, especially for visually impaired users. Simple adjustments like brightness and contrast can be more effective and accessible.
- Keyboard shortcuts—Use map keyboard shortcuts to navigate and interact with the map.
- Reduced motion—Limit the use of the Zoom and Pan options in the map. Set an appropriate point zoom scale to limit the drawing time.
Map pop-ups
There are several accessibility features for pop-ups that can be configured based on the dashboard's needs. Authors should be mindful of these settings, as they can impact how easily users interpret the data.
Long lists of field names and values can be overwhelming and hard to interpret. Formatting pop-ups helps viewers focus on the most important information related to features.
Details
The details element is largely configured outside of the dashboard, as it uses the same formatting as the pop-up. It is important to consider accessibility standards when selecting colors, fonts, images, and media. Long lists of field names and values can be overwhelming and hard to interpret. Formatting pop-ups helps viewers focus on the most important information related to features.
Embedded content
When embedding content like surveys, articles, or external websites, authors must ensure it meets accessibility standards. Since this content is outside your control, check for keyboard navigation, color contrast, and semantic HTML. Not all external content is accessible or suitable for embedding, so it needs to be evaluated before use.
Rich text
Authors are fully responsible for the accessibility of rich text content. Use clear language, proper headings, readable formatting, and accessible links. Since this content is completely customizable, extra attention should be given to making it inclusive for all users.
Download data
Allowing to download data as a .csv file offers an accessible alternative. It allows users to access raw unformatted data.