Ensuring accessibility and usability in data visualization for manufacturing is essential for accommodating the diverse needs of users, including those with disabilities. DITA provides conventions and features to meet these requirements, allowing organizations to create inclusive data visualizations. Here are key considerations:

Accessible Data Formats

DITA supports the use of accessible data formats for manufacturing data visualizations. This convention ensures that data visualizations are created using formats that can be easily consumed by assistive technologies. For example, DITA documentation can recommend using SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) for charts and graphs, as SVG is inherently accessible and can be easily read by screen readers. This enhances the usability of visualizations for individuals with visual impairments.

Alternative Text

Another important convention is the inclusion of alternative text for data visualization elements. DITA topics can specify the use of alt text descriptions for charts, graphs, and other visual elements. For instance, an HTML snippet in a DITA topic can include alt text for a chart, providing a textual description of the chart’s content and purpose. Alt text ensures that users who cannot see the visualization can still understand the data it conveys.

Keyboard Navigation

DITA encourages the implementation of keyboard navigation conventions for interactive data visualizations. This is particularly crucial for users who rely on keyboard input instead of a mouse. DITA topics can provide guidance on how to make interactive elements within data visualizations, such as dashboards, navigable using keyboard controls. By adhering to keyboard navigation conventions, organizations can improve the usability of their manufacturing data visualizations for a broader audience.

Example:

Here’s an example demonstrating how DITA accommodates accessibility and usability requirements for data visualization:

<topic id="bar_chart_usability">
  <title>Enhancing Bar Chart Usability</title>
  <content>
    <p>To ensure accessibility, it's important to use SVG for bar charts. Additionally, provide alt text for each bar chart, describing its content and context. Lastly, ensure keyboard navigation is supported for interactive elements within charts and graphs.</p>
    <code type="html">
    <svg width="400" height="200" aria-label="Sales by Region">
      <rect x="0" y="20" width="80" height="150" fill="blue" aria-label="Q1 Sales"/>
      <rect x="100" y="50" width="80" height="120" fill="green" aria-label="Q2 Sales"/>
      <rect x="200" y="40" width="80" height="130" fill="red" aria-label="Q3 Sales"/>
      <rect x="300" y="60" width="80" height="110" fill="orange" aria-label="Q4 Sales"/>
    </svg>
    </code>
  </content>

This example outlines the use of SVG, alt text, and keyboard navigation to enhance the accessibility and usability of bar charts in manufacturing data visualizations.