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Number of posts in this thread: 6 (In chronological order)

From: Kathy Napierala
Date: Fri, Apr 20 2012 9:54AM
Subject: Dynamic chart builder/alt table
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Hi everyone,

My organization is building a dynamic report builder, where the user chooses a data set and variables. The report generator then creates bar charts, pie charts, and tables showing the information.

We are trying to create a 508 compliant color scheme (contrast) for the pie charts. However, with over a dozen possible pie wedges, this isn't feasible. My question: since the same data is available as an accessible table, are we providing reasonable accessibility for those with color perception or vision impairments? I believe the table alternative meets the letter of the law, do they also meet the spirit?

Your input is appreciated!
KN

From: Bourne, Sarah (ITD)
Date: Fri, Apr 20 2012 10:05AM
Subject: Re: Dynamic chart builder/alt table
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Skirting your actual question, I would argue that a pie chart with 12 variables is unlikely to be usable by anybody.

For a long read about why this is so, see, "Getting Past the Pie Chart," by Veronique Greenwood at http://seedmagazine.com/content/article/getting_past_the_pie_chart/ :
"Above all, we should remember that throwing data into a chart is not always the route to greater understanding. Says Spence: 'There is a place for tables in the world.'"

sb

Sarah E. Bourne
Director of Assistive Technology &
Mass.Gov Chief Technology Strategist
Information Technology Division
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
617-626-4502
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
http://www.mass.gov/itd

From: Jared Smith
Date: Fri, Apr 20 2012 10:28AM
Subject: Re: Dynamic chart builder/alt table
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I would echo Sarah's comment that 12 pie pieces would likely be a bit
complex for everyone.

Of note is that Section 508 does not have any contrast requirements
for content. And the contrast requirements of WCAG 2.0 only apply to
text. However, success criteria 1.4.1 does specify that "Color is not
used as the only visual means of conveying information, ... or
distinguishing a visual element." If your pie chart pieces are labeled
and/or if you are providing the underlying data, this should be
sufficient.

Jared Smith
WebAIM.org

From: Elle
Date: Fri, Apr 20 2012 11:25AM
Subject: Re: Dynamic chart builder/alt table
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For a long read about why this is so, see, "Getting Past the Pie Chart," by
Veronique Greenwood at
http://seedmagazine.com/content/article/getting_past_the_pie_chart/ :
"Above all, we should remember that throwing data into a chart is not
always the route to greater understanding. Says Spence: 'There is a place
for tables in the world.'"

-----------

Sarah:

Great link, thank you! We're in the middle of working through data
visualization on our redesign, so this topic is especially close to what's
on my mind on a daily basis now.


Much appreciated,
Elle

From: Kathy Napierala
Date: Fri, Apr 20 2012 11:44AM
Subject: Re: Dynamic chart builder/alt table
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Thanks Sarah - the dynamic report builder doesn't differentiate between which data sets will display in which formats - it makes any set requested by the users available in several formats, one being a pie chart and one being a table. It is up to the individual user to select the format he or she wants, and if one isn't to their liking they can choose another.

Kathy Napierala | Manager
Instructional Media Center | JBS International Inc.
* 5515 Security Lane * Suite 800 * North Bethesda, Maryland * 20852 *
T: 240.645.4185 (direct)
T: 301.495.1080 (main)
E: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =

From: Sailesh Panchang
Date: Fri, Apr 20 2012 12:02PM
Subject: Re: Dynamic chart builder/alt table
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To summarize :
graphs and charts generally should be used to reinforce data contained
in the document.
They should not be the only means of representing data
In some cases an accessible pie chart may be quite alright.
One cannot assume that a data table is accessible unless it is marked
up to be so.
Sailesh Panchang
Deque Systems

On 4/20/12, Kathy Napierala < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Thanks Sarah - the dynamic report builder doesn't differentiate between
> which data sets will display in which formats - it makes any set requested
> by the users available in several formats, one being a pie chart and one
> being a table. It is up to the individual user to select the format he or
> she wants, and if one isn't to their liking they can choose another.
>
> > Kathy Napierala | Manager
> Instructional Media Center | JBS International Inc.
> * 5515 Security Lane * Suite 800 * North Bethesda, Maryland * 20852 *
> T: 240.645.4185 (direct)
> T: 301.495.1080 (main)
> E: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>