ASVG − Accessible Scalable Vector Graphics: intention trees to make charts more accessible and usable

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to enhance accessibility of graphical information in particular for blind and visually handicapped people. Design/methodology/approach – Prototype development based on an intense analysis of the state of the art and potential technologies with later on heuristic analysis of different approaches to enrich graphical information for better accessibility. Findings – A novel approach to enhance accessibility named “Intention Tree” for enhancing accessibility. It allows integrating descriptive and navigation information into standard Scalable Vector Graphics and also mechanisms to analyse and aggregate data. Research limitations/implications – The approach promises interesting new tools for better accessing and navigating graphical information with potential not only for blind and visually handicapped people. Practical implications – Design prototype for further development. Social implications – Potential for better social inclusion and participation. Originality/value – This paper presents a novel and new approach for enhanced accessibility and usability and a new technique for authoring graphical information.