THE SALTWAYS
ACCESSIBLE REPORT DESIGN · AI GUIDELINES FOR THE CHARITY SECTOR
THE CHALLENGE – CREATING ACCESSIBLE DOCUMENT DESIGNS FOR PRACTICAL GUIDance
The Saltways – a production company dedicated to helping charities tell their stories – had developed comprehensive research and practical guidelines on AI-generated imagery for the charity sector. They contacted Watercat Creative to create engaging document designs that would make these guidelines accessible and useful for busy charity professionals.
The content was technical and well-researched. The design challenge was making it land effectively for people with different accessibility needs. Two separate documents needed designing – a research report and accompanying guidelines – both requiring PDF/UA and WCAG compliance to ensure the content could reach everyone who needed it.
The design had to work within The Saltways’ existing brand whilst feeling modern, approachable and distinctly professional. Everything needed to be inclusive by design, not as an afterthought.
THE PROCESS – BUILDING A FLEXIBLE DESIGN SYSTEM
Working in InDesign and Illustrator, Watercat Creative developed a design system that could handle both the research findings and practical guidance whilst maintaining clear visual hierarchy throughout. The typography and layout needed to support long-form reading whilst making key information easy to find and reference.
We designed charts and graphs to communicate survey data and research findings clearly. Additionally, we sourced and treated photography and illustration to create visual breathing space and reinforce key messages. From the outset, every element underwent testing against PDF/UA and WCAG standards – an approach detailed further in our accessibility design articles, ensuring accessibility shaped the design decisions rather than appearing as a retrofit..
Working within The Saltways’ existing brand colours, specific pairings were chosen to provide sufficient contrast for accessibility whilst maintaining visual appeal. Page layouts were structured to give the guidance room to breathe – making practical information easy to locate and implement.
Regular feedback loops kept the design aligned with The Saltways’ vision and practical needs. Accessibility requirements weren’t constraints – they were design drivers that shaped a more considered, usable final product. Learn more about our accessible design services.
THE RESULT – PROFESSIONAL, ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES THAT WORK
Both documents passed PDF/UA and WCAG accessibility standards – a technical achievement that translated into real-world impact. The Saltways now has professional resources they can confidently share across the charity sector, positioning them as credible experts in an area where clear guidance is scarce.
The design system created gives them flexibility. The layout adapts to different reading patterns. The visual language works within their brand whilst feeling contemporary and approachable. Client response exceeded expectations – not just because the work looked good, but because it genuinely functioned in the ways they needed it to.
The project proved that accessible design and visual appeal aren’t opposing forces. When accessibility requirements drive design decisions from the start, the result is work that’s clearer, more considered and more effective for everyone. Interested in similar work? Get in touch to discuss your accessible design project.
DELIVERABLES
- Two comprehensive documents designed in InDesign: AI guidelines research report and practical guidelines
- PDF/UA and WCAG-compliant accessible PDFs for maximum reach
- Typography and layout system supporting both long-form reading and quick reference
- Custom charts and data visualisations designed for clarity and accessibility
- Sourced and treated photography and illustration aligned to brand guidelines
- High-contrast colour pairings selected from existing brand palette for accessibility
- Design system extending The Saltways brand into accessible, professional report formats
“Working with Mario is a dream. He is creative, committed and has impeccable attention to detail. However, most importantly – he is a joy to work with and deeply cares about his work .”
– Emma Bracegirdle, Founder, The Saltways
Before and after: the visual design and the accessibility structure that makes it work.
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If you need accessible report design, PDF/UA compliance, or help making complex content inclusive, we’d love to hear from you.