Accessibility – What’s Your Style?
Different forms of communication call for different types of applications when the purpose is making information accessible as well as memorable. Businesses, educational institutions or other types of information development frequently utilize mixed media. This primarily encompasses static documents, video, audio, interactive elements or various combinations of these. Simply put, utilizing an array of presentation types will assist the audience to remember the message that is being conveyed. Why is this?
The purpose of a marketing campaign for example, is to teach customers about a company. The culture, products, services and brand. So how is that taught? By understanding and providing different forms of communication that will encompass different learning styles to reach a broader audience.
What is a learning style? There are 3 primary types.
Visual Styles
Visual learning styles encompass logos, brochures, infographics, or other materials which would be considered constant or static. No matter the presentation method, the information will remain the same. Unless it is manually updated. For example, a popular social media site called Pinterest would be an example of a static repository for numerous interests and subjects.
Auditory Styles
Next is auditory, or hearing the message presented. An example of this would be a radio advertisement, or the ever popular You-Tube which encompasses visual AND auditory applications.
Tactile Styles
The last is tactile, which involves the learner by performing a task, such as taking a quiz or playing a game for example. This compels the user to take an action.
When considering your business marketing and presentations, are you taking all three styles into consideration? By utilizing the different styles, it is more likely that the audience will remember the message. More importantly all the various types of materials and combinations of materials can be made accessible for individuals with impairments, broadening the potential customer base even further.
Try an assessment of your own style[1]. This will provide further insight to aspects of your presentations to be consciously aware of.
For questions or assistance visit our website Pearl Interactive Network or contact Dee Moradi at dmoradi@pinsourcing.com for a free consultation and estimate.
[1] (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles.shtml