Most designers are well-versed in the classic digital accessibility rules, and in print, where users can’t rely on zoom tools or screen readers, the basics of clear contrast, legible fonts and simple layouts are essential. But there’s more to accessible print design than meets the eye.

My experience working in learning design has deeply influenced how I think about accessibility in print, especially in commercial settings. Learning design is all about putting the user front and centre to understand their needs, abilities, and context; I bring this mindset into my design projects, aiming not just for visual appeal, but for true usability and inclusivity. After all, designing in an accessible way creates better experiences for everyone. It’s not just about inclusion - it’s good design practice.

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Visual hierarchy for clarity

Visual hierarchy is how designers structure content, usually text, through size, colour and contrast, to guide the eye and maintain attention. It can create rhythm, almost like a conductor guiding an orchestra. Strong hierarchy helps readers know instantly what’s most important. Headings, subheadings, and body text should have clear size and weight differences to give all readers, especially those with cognitive or visual processing challenges, a smooth path through the content. Combined with white space, hierarchy keeps information digestible. 

Layout as navigation

Print doesn’t have hyperlinks, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be interactive. Creative use of folds, tabs, or colour-coding can guide users through complex information. Like a physical roadmap that reduces confusion and makes multi-page documents friendlier. You’re taking the user on a journey where the information disentangles before them. Colour-coded tabs can act as “chapters” in physical form, echoing how we mentally sort information. It’s worth considering how the physical format can facilitate pacing, chunking and flow to heighten engagement. I love this project called Recess by Emma Daigh Jackson for the way the information literally unfolds.

Think beyond sight

Accessibility expands when we engage multiple senses. For some, touching a print product can make all the difference. Consider textured paper stocks, embossing, or raised inks that offer a subtle tactile guide. Thinking beyond how something looks and about its physicality in your hands opens up another avenue for telling your brand story and connects with your audience on a deeper level, because people remember something they hold onto for longer than something they glance at. You might look to the field of packaging design in particular for creative examples of experiential products designed to be handled. Consider the cover design of this D&AD wood-pencil-winning project which makes successful use of paper cuts to create a memorably visual and tactile product. Tactile images are also becoming increasingly common in museum and exhibition contexts. This video from the British Museum gives a fascinating insight into producing tactile art for visually-impaired visitors.

Consistency builds confidence

Inaccessible designs often come from inconsistency. Switching fonts, colours, or alignment mid-document forces readers to constantly re-learn how to read your piece. Consistent layouts, typography, and icon styles create a sense of safety, reassuring users that they won’t miss key information, and they reduce the cognitive load that can feel like friction in the brain. Consistency isn’t boring - imagine it’s the beat of a song, so when you do choose to add emphasis, through accents or contrasts, it’s done with intentionality.

"Accessibility is an act of imagination & empathy."

Language matters

Language shapes inclusion. Overly complex phrasing or jargon doesn’t just exclude those with additional needs - it slows communication down, making even the simplest messages hard to follow. Clear, plain language helps ideas land quickly, no matter someone’s background or literacy level. Pairing key terms with icons can strengthen meaning even further, creating instant recognition. This approach supports families, multilingual audiences, and busy readers alike. Accessible writing is about respect: showing you want your message to be understood, not admired for complexity. Simplicity builds content that’s usable, fast and friendly.

Pair words with visuals

Words anchor meaning, but images bring it to life. When the two work in harmony, it massively improves comprehension. Pairing text with visuals supports different learning styles, multilingual readers, and those with lower literacy, and it also makes ideas more memorable for everyone. Data, too, can be transformed this way: charts, icons, or maps reveal patterns and stories that numbers alone often bury. Visualising the invisible, whether through timelines, processes, or comparisons, invites audiences to discover and ignites curiosity. A lovely example might be Giorgia Lupi’s Book of Life, a project which distills down the entire narrative of their existence into a series of stitched marks in a journal. Visuals don’t just decorate. They translate, clarify, and create connections that words alone just can’t.

Cultural accessibility

Symbols aren’t universal. A checkmark might mean “correct” in the UK, but the opposite in Finland or Sweden. A thumbs up can signal approval, and is deeply offensive in parts of Asia. Some symbols feel almost universal - a heart for love, or an envelope for a message - but these too are shaped by culture and context. The meaning of a symbol is never fixed; shifting as images are reused and reinterpreted. The skull and crossbones we associate with pirates were originally a symbol of resurrection in Christianity, and today might provide a clear toxicity warning. The rainbow, traditionally Christian too, is now more widely recognised as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. If your print is meant for a global or diverse audience, test your words and symbols with real users. The collaborative Mistranslations project by Re design is a playful take on when cultural accessibility goes wrong.

QR codes as accessibility bridges

Pair print with digital accessibility. QR codes are often treated as throwaway add-ons, but they can be little doors to deeper accessibility by linking audio descriptions, larger text versions, or videos, helping users who struggle with print. In China, Ogilvy’s Care Codes provide simplified digital access for elderly users, helping them integrate within a fully-digital society. The trick is to frame them well. “Scan for video instructions” is clearer than an unlabelled black-and-white square. When used effectively, QR codes add equity, letting print users step into the digital world for extra support.

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Inclusive by design

Next time you design a brochure, map, or ticket, pause and ask: how will this feel, how will it guide someone, and who might be holding it in their hands? Accessibility isn’t a checklist. It’s an act of imagination and empathy. By thinking deeply about hierarchy, consistency, language, and culture, you’re not just making print more usable - you’re making it more human.