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\uD83D\uDCD8 Instructions

Section 2.1: Color Contrast

When typing in text you want to consider the color contrast between the text and the background. For small text (under size 18), a good contrast ratio to aim for is 4.5:1 or higher. For bigger text (over size 18) a good contrast ratio is 3:1 or higher. Black text on a white background or 21:1 is considered to be the most accessible contrast ratio. If you create a bullet list, the points need to have a contrast ratio above 3:1. Backgrounds with crazy features or patterns should be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, Google Docs does not have any slide themes that are not accessible. To check if your color contrast ratio is sufficient, you should use Adobe’s Color Contrast Analyzer tool.

A google slide with low color contrast.
Warning

This slide above has a contrast ratio of 1.16 : 1. This is very low and hardly visible to most readers.

A google slide with high color contrast.
Tip

This slide above has a contrast ratio of 21 : 1.

A shopping list with light gray bullet points.Image RemovedA shopping list with light gray bullet points.Image Added
Warning

This shopping list has grey bullet points and is hard to see.

A shopping list with black bullet points.Image RemovedA shopping list with black bullet points.Image Added
Tip

This shopping list has black bullet points and is easy to see.

Section 2.2: Using Color to Convey Meaning

If you are going to use color to convey information, always include a text alternative. Color alone is not enough to show off information. For example, color blind users or people with low vision looking at a chart may not be able to read the data or struggle to differentiate the data sections.

Google Slide example of a pie chart of the most popular sports in the USA. Only color is used for the data.
Warning

This pie chart for the “Most Popular Sports in the USA” only uses color to represent the data. A person who is color-blind may not be able to tell the difference between the colors. Therefore they cannot read the data.

Google Slide example of a pie chart of the most popular sports in the USA. Data labels have been added as a second indicator.
Tip

This pie chart for the most popular sports has data labels to represent the data in addition to the color. Now all users can read the data much easier.

After your pie chart is finished, you need to provide an alt text for the chart. To do this, right click on the chart. The Format Options Menu will appear to the right of the screen. Click on the Alt Text dropdown menu and type in your alt text.

The Alt Text dropdown menu in Google Slides with an alt text example.
Tip

The chart has been provided an alt text.

Section 2.3: Transitions and Animations

As cool as transitions and animations can make your presentation, it is best to use them conservatively. Many transitions and animations are time consuming, distracting, and most importantly could overwhelm viewers.

For transitions, it is best to not use them at all. Fortunately, this is the default setting in Google Slides.

For animations, the rules are a little more lenient. The best effect to use is the “appear” effect. This effect will just make your words appear on the presentation. To use this animation,

  1. Highlight you text you want animated and go to the Insert Tab.

    Insert Tab in Google Slides
  2. Select Animation. The Motion panel will appear on the right side of the screen. By default, the Appear animation is being used.

    The Motion Panel in Google Slides with the Object Animation menu open. Appear is the animation selected.

Section 2.4: Can I use Flashing and Blinking Images or GIFs?

As a general rule, you should avoid any flashing or blinking images. Flashing, blinking, or flickering content can trigger epileptic seizures. If you do have flashing or blinking images, be sure they do not flash more than 3 times per second. For animations, do not use any flashing or flickering animations. Just use the simple “Appear” animation.

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