design 4 othered brains

D4OB (Design 4 Othered Brains) - (2024)

BFA thesis, pg. count 200
Publication, design system, graphic design, writing, bookmaking

As a newer designer (and old-time) neurodivergent person, I am on a journey to learn, practice and better align myself with my needs and values- one of which is accessibilty. “Design 4 Othered Brains” (D4OB) is a dynamic introduction to neurodiverse accessibility through my own abstracted visuals. my intent for D4OB is to introduce readers to alternative modifications for accessibility, encourage desginers to consider accessibility implementations in their work, and for all to witness my accessible visual joy. this accessibility I, along with many disability advocates, see as an inherent and beautiful value.

accessibility info in images and text described below

[Image description: A note on the accessibility of the book. The author states that this book focuses on neurodivergent accessibility, with a particular focus on creating safe spaces for autistic and mentally ill individuals. The author believes it's crucial to communicate existing strengths and knowledge rather than falsely claiming the book is accessible to all. They emphasize that disabled people are diverse and have varying needs; therefore, accessibility should not be the individual responsibility of disabled people. Accessibility should be built into systems and structures, not only for individual work but for all facets of life. The author acknowledges personal limitations in energy due to a timed project and aims for sustained accessibility through universal design, achieved through consistent effort. This was factored into the book's production.]

[Image description: A note on the accessibility of the book for visually impaired readers.
The text states that the book prioritizes larger type and images.
If a reader needs larger formatting, they can email viesolerone(at)gmail(dot)com.
All chapter dividers, terms, and textual explanations are color-coded and meet color contrast guidelines (2025 WCAG). If raw text is desired, the reader can also email viesolerone(at)gmail(dot) com.

[Image description: Notes on accessibility for visually impaired readers continues.
For vectors on abstract designs, color contrast often meets accessibility guidelines, but this isn't absolute.
There is no important terminology or textual content on the abstract spreads.
For readers with visual sensitivity and/or photosensitive seizures, this book does not contain any psychedelic imagery or flashing. (Since this is a physical book, potential flashing refers to page-to-page graphics).]

[Image description: The text addresses language and cognitive accessibility and states that language is simplified, but at times uses more complex words necessary to communicate the depth of its content; and to feel free to email viesoler(at)gmail(dot)com for simplified language.]

[Image description: A text-based description of a section of a document.

The section, titled "purpose," discusses symbols, specifically those related to accessibility. The text explains that symbols are symbolic representations and not direct equivalents of accessible design, but they are still important for identifying spaces intended for people with disabilities. The author highlights a specific symbol, which they call the "updated accessibility symbol" (although it's formally known as the "accessible icon project"), and notes its positive impact and global usage.

The author also explains that the project to redesign the international symbol of access (commonly known as the "handicapped symbol") was a collaborative effort involving designers, advocates, feedback groups, and others. The revised symbol is designed to be more dynamic and personable, and the author emphasizes the importance of this in the public space redesign process. The text also notes that the redesign is freely available under a public domain license. The final paragraph connects the symbol’s widespread adoption to a subtle shift towards a more nuanced understanding of accessibility.

The section is part of a larger document, potentially a book or report, as indicated by the "ways of coping" and "signage" headers.]