Digital Humanities

When using DH methods and tools, it is important to consider design practices (not just the final design). A common approach is “universal design,” which implies that the design can be understood and used by most people, regardless of abilities. However, we encourage you to consider “inclusive design,” which focuses on the ways in which designs and projects can either include or exclude people. Practicing inclusive design means being aware and understanding of user diversity and differences in values, needs, ambitions, and abilities throughout the process instead of just as a means to evaluate the final project. 

We recommend these helpful tools and resources:

• Value Sensitive Design 
• EthicalOS
• The Design for Diversity Learning Toolkit
• Design Justice Network and their Network Principles
• How to Begin Designing for Diversity by the Creative Independent
• Minimal Computing - computing done under some set of significant constraints of hardware, software, education, network capacity, power, or other factors; an approach that balances choice and necessity, gains and costs, thereby relating to issues of aesthetics, culture, environment, global relationships of power and knowledge production, and other economic, infrastructural and material conditions

Finally, as you design projects, instead of using “do no harm” as a guiding phrase, use “do good.” Continue asking yourself: “What good is this design doing?” and “What good is this project doing?”

As you create your project, be mindful of accessibility, including using alt text for images and richly-described transcripts for audio.

Alt Text Tips

• Keep your alt text short and descriptive
• Address the context and coverage of the image
• Alt text can convey nuance, emotion, opinion, and humor 

Alt Text Resources

• Perkins School for the Blind, "How to Write Alt Text and Image Descriptions for the visually impaired"
• Harvard University Digital Accessibility Guide

Learn more about Accessibility at SDSU.