What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia ( Dis Cal Coo Lia )
is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers (gov.uk). It’s often described as a common struggle in dealing with things like counting, estimating time, remembering number facts, and managing money. It’s similar to how some people struggle with reading or writing but focuses on numerical understanding.
How Can It Affect Data?
For someone with dyscalculia, interpreting data can be quite tricky. Imagine looking at a table full of numbers or a complex chart and not being able to make sense of it easily. Tasks like remembering KPIs, calculating percentages, or understanding numerical trends can become overwhelming. In a data-heavy world, this can lead to confusion, mistakes, and a lack of confidence when interacting with data.
Why It's Important
Designing with dyscalculia in mind ensures that everyone has equal access to information. Whether you’re presenting to clients, coworkers, or stakeholders, accessible data can empower people to make informed decisions without barriers. It’s not just about making things easier for some – it’s about fostering inclusivity and creating data experiences that everyone can use, regardless of their ability to process numbers.
Things We Can Do to Design for Dyscalculic People
- Use Sentences for Context – Sometimes, framing numbers in sentences like “1 out of 3 people…” makes data more digestible.
- Pictures are Better Than Numbers – Visual representations like icons or images can make concepts clearer than a row of figures.
- Charts are Better Than Numbers – Bar charts or pie charts, for example, help break down complex numbers into visual formats that are easier to grasp.
- Round Numbers – Rounding to the nearest whole number helps remove unnecessary precision that might confuse someone with dyscalculia.
- Currencies – if your numbers consistently include currency symbols (£, $, etc.,), consider placing the currency in the title or label instead of alongside the number, leaving the number by itself for clarity.
- Leave Space Around Numbers – This helps the numbers stand out and prevents overwhelming the reader with too much at once e.g., adding a blank line in tooltips between two metrics.
- Simplify Content – Avoid cluttering dashboards or reports with too much information or numbers at once. Keep it clean and focused.
- Explain Tables or Grids – Never leave numbers on a table without an explanation. Context and colour are key.
Navigating Stakeholders and Others to Include Dyscalculia Accessibility
When designing or presenting data to stakeholders, it’s important to openly communicate your commitment to inclusivity while also understanding your clients' needs. Share how your designs can support individuals with dyscalculia, but be mindful of how to approach the conversation. It might be helpful to gently highlight the benefits of inclusive design, such as making data clearer and supporting better decision-making. Be ready to offer simple examples, like using visual aids or rounding numbers, and let your stakeholders guide the level of emphasis they’d like on these changes.
Final Notes
Designing for accessibility isn’t just about compliance – it’s about making a real difference in how people interact with and understand data. By considering dyscalculia and other accessibility challenges, you make sure your work is reaching the broadest possible audience, helping everyone feel included. Small changes can make a big difference, and being mindful of these details will ultimately create a more accessible, user-friendly environment for everyone.