Is the main message emphasized with visual cues?

Main Message and Call to Action

Visual cues draw attention to parts of a material. Use visual cues to draw attention to the main message. People perceive differences in size, shape and color as meaningful. When you draw attention to the main message, people will more easily and quickly recognize it. To make visual cues compatible with web accessibility guidelines, include descriptive alternative text, such as “The main message is…,” for the screen reader.

Examples of visual cues are

  • Boldface
  • Color
  • Shapes
  • Lines and arrows
  • Font type, size, alignment, and spacing
  • Heading, such as “What you need to know”

Example:

Screenshot of seasonal Flu site with area highlighted to show the Main Message.

This screenshot of a seasonal flu webpage is a good example of drawing attention to the main message with a lightly shaded box.

Page last reviewed: August 7, 2019