Implementing Alternative Accessible Colours in Power BI Reports

When designing visuals and reports, it’s extremely important to consider those who are not able to see the difference between certain colours. For those who are colour-blind, the ability to differentiate certain hues depends on the colour contrast ratio. Approximately 350 million people around the world experience some form of colour-blindness ( inability to see the difference between certain colours). Ideally, we should always try to use accessible colours when designing reports but often this is not possible due to existing branding guidelines and colour conventions like RAG (red, amber, green) used to report on performance and progress. The absence of easily accessible options for toggling between various themes and colour schemes in Power BI often results in reports that lack accessibility.

In this session, we will explore the built-in accessibility features of Power BI and discuss WCAG guidelines for colour usage. I will also demonstrate how to choose accessible colours and share a practical solution I have previously implemented, which enables users to switch between standard and accessible views. This approach not only enhances flexibility but also ensures inclusivity for all users. Additionally, this initiative has significantly raised awareness about digital accessibility among both users and stakeholders.

Optimising reports for people affected by vision impairment ensure equitable opportunities for all users. Taking diversity, inclusion and equity into account when designing visualisations and reports is a good way to express care and concern for all colleagues and stakeholders. It increases trust, collaboration and even innovation.

Originally from Brazil, Juliana Smith is an award-winning IT Chartered professional with a passion for transforming data into actionable insights. With an academic background in Oceanography and a major in Physics, she brings over 15 years of experience in the technology sector across various industries globally.

Since 2020 she has been working with business intelligence tools, identifying and crafting impactful narratives using Microsoft Power BI.

Juliana's dedication extends beyond her technical expertise. As a STEM ambassador, she actively promotes education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, inspiring the next generation of innovators. Additionally, her commitment to digital accessibility ensures that technological advancements are inclusive and beneficial for everyone, regardless of their abilities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-smith-citp/

PBIBRUM - April meetup with Lightning Talks & Juliana Smith

17:45 - Welcome & networking

18:00 - Introductions

18:05 - Lightning talks from:

Jason Conway: Power BI Goes Dating - Supercharge Date Filtering With 2 Simple Data Modelling Techniques

Meghana Karnati: A Fabric-ated Solution to a Seemingly Simple Request

Nick Cahm: From Keeping Score to Driving Change - Data Stories of an Accidental Analyst

18:55 - Break

19:10 - Juliana Smith: Implementing alternative accessible colours in Power BI reports

When designing visuals and reports, it’s extremely important to consider those who are not able to see the difference between certain colours. For those who are colour-blind, the ability to differentiate certain hues depends on the colour contrast ratio. Approximately 350 million people around the world experience some form of colour-blindness (inability to see the difference between certain colours).

Ideally, we should always try to use accessible colours when designing reports but often this is not possible due to existing branding guidelines and colour conventions like RAG (red, amber, green) used to report on performance and progress. The absence of easily accessible options for toggling between various themes and colour schemes in Power BI often results in reports that lack accessibility.

This session will touch base on built-in accessibility features on Power BI as well as WCAG regulations on the use of colours. I will also present a solution that enables the end-users toggling between standard and accessible views.

Optimising reports for people affected by vision impairment ensure equitable opportunities for all users. . Taking diversity, inclusion and equity into account when designing visualisations and reports is a good way to express care and concern for all colleagues and stakeholders. It increases trust, collaboration and even innovation.

20:00 - Finish

Microsoft Data Platform Group Birmingham

Thursday 6th March 13:00 (GMT - UK Time)

Speaker: Juliana Smith

Title: Implementing alternative accessible colours in Power BI reports

Description: When designing visuals and reports, it’s extremely important to consider those who are not able to see the difference between certain colours. For those who are colour-blind, the ability to differentiate certain hues depends on the colour contrast ratio.

Approximately 350 million people around the world experience some form of colour-blindness ( inability to see the difference between certain colours).

Ideally, we should always try to use accessible colours when designing reports but often this is not possible due to existing branding guidelines and colour conventions like RAG (red, amber, green) used to report on performance and progress. The absence of easily accessible options for toggling between various themes and colour schemes in Power BI often results in reports that lack accessibility.

In this session, we will explore the built-in accessibility features of Power BI and discuss WCAG guidelines for colour usage. I will also demonstrate how to choose accessible colours and share a practical solution I have previously implemented, which enables users to switch between standard and accessible views. This approach not only enhances flexibility but also ensures inclusivity for all users. Additionally, this initiative has significantly raised awareness about digital accessibility among both users and stakeholders.

Optimising reports for people affected by vision impairment ensure equitable opportunities for all users. Taking diversity, inclusion and equity into account when designing visualisations and reports is a good way to express care and concern for all colleagues and stakeholders. It increases trust, collaboration and even innovation.

Agenda:

12.45 - 13:00 : Setup and Join

13:00 - 13:05 : Open Lobby and Introductions

13:05 - 14:00 : Implementing alternative accessible colours in Power BI reports

Venue: Wherever you have access to a computer or smart device! This session will be online only!

Other Details:

*** Please note registration on MeetUp is required to gain access to the Teams link!***

Please contact us on Twitter or via email if you are having any issues joining and we'll do everything we can to help.

Event Organiser Contact Details:

If you need any further details or have any requests for this or future Data Platform Group events, please get in touch.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @MSDataGroupBrum

Sponsors:

Purple Frog Systems

Power BI Sentinel

Details

PBIMCR Jan 2025 Meetup

When: Thursday 30th of Jan 2025 Time: arrive for 5:30pm with talks starting from 6pm start prompt Location: Manchester Technology Centre, Oxford Road Session will not be streamed over MS Teams Complimentary Drinks and Pizza will be provided by our long-time sponsor Robert Walters https://www.robertwalters.co.uk/our-stories/power-bi-manchester-user-group.html

Speaker: Juliana Smith

Topics: Implementing alternative accessible colours in Power BI Reports

This session highlights the importance of accessible colour usage and compliance with WCAG guidelines, offering a concise overview of Power BI’s accessibility considerations. I will also present a practical solution that allows users to toggle between standard and accessible views, ensuring reports are optimised for individuals with vision impairments. By making these adjustments, we can create more inclusive, user-friendly reports for everyone

2nd speaker Ian Pike and David Mitchell from Microsoft

They will give us the latest news from Micrsoft Ignite conference with updates on Fabric and what 2025 has instore...