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Eclusive's audit process

A print accessibility audit goes beyond a visual check. Eclusive examines how print materials function in practice: how eyes experience them, how materials behave and how readers find their way through the content.

1. Introduction and goal setting

Every print accessibility audit begins with a brief intake. We explore:

  • The purpose of printing
  • The target group(s)
  • The type of publication (magazine, program booklet, brochure, guide, annual report)
  • The context of use (daylight, theater lighting, healthcare environments, practice rooms)

This stage is essential to match the audit criteria to the people for whom the printed material is intended. A program booklet for the elderly has different requirements than a brochure for a general audience.

This is where we lay the groundwork for an audit process that seamlessly integrates with practice.

2. Inventory of print materials.

We gather all the materials needed to conduct an accurate print accessibility audit:

  • Physical print copies
  • Print files for typographic research
  • Information on paper, finishing and format

How complete the inventory is determines how precise the audit can be.

3. Assessment according to EPAS principles.

The core of any accessibility audit is the assessment according to the four EPAS principles:

  • Visible
  • Readable
  • Understandable
  • User-friendly

Together, these criteria make up the complete testing framework for print accessibility.
The result is an objective picture of print quality and usability.

4. Contrast measurements and light testing.

An essential part of the EPAS methodology and a unique step within an accessibility audit print product.

We test:

  • Color contrast under different light sources
  • Readability in warm light, fluorescent light, daylight and dim light
  • Reflection on paper (gloss, coating, textured)
  • Visibility of photos, icons and graphics
  • Changes under varying light intensity

This gives a realistic picture of how printing behaves in everyday situations something you never fully see in a digital design file.

5. Typography and structure research.

A professional print accessibility audit takes a deep look at typography and construction.

We analyze:

  • Fonts and their legibility
  • Point size and proportions
  • Line spacing and column width
  • Hierarchy of headings and text
  • Rhythm, structure and page composition
  • Use of white space

This step shows where readability problems arise and how content can be presented more accessibly.

6. Material and production research

Accessible print materials are physical. That's why an accessibility audit assesses print materials:

  • Paper thickness and show-through
  • Gloss level and reflection
  • stability of lying open
  • Cover and cover convenience
  • Binding type (stapled, glued, bound)
  • Format and handling

This understanding of physical usability makes EPAS substantially different from digital accessibility frameworks such as WCAG.

7. Analysis of comprehensibility and logic

We examine whether readers find their way without difficulty:

  • Order of chapters and content
  • Structure of pages
  • Recognizable patterns and visual anchors
  • Scanability and navigation habits

This reveals whether the content is not only present, but actually works for the reader.

8. Report with concrete improvement recommendations

Each print accessibility audit results in a complete and clear report with:

  • Findings by EPAS principle.
  • Photos, analysis and measurement data
  • A clear order of priorities
  • Concrete improvement proposals for design and production
  • Recommendations for material and typography
  • Best practices for future editions

Organizations use this report as a practical guide to structurally improve their printing.

9. Discussion and guidance

Finally, we discuss all findings, answer questions and advise on next steps.
Many organizations find this moment valuable because it provides insight into:

  • How accessibility in print is assessed
  • How design and material choices influence reading behavior
  • What are the biggest wins for future publications

Why this accessibility audit works

  • Combines design knowledge, materials research and field testing
  • Examines printing in realistic conditions
  • Makes accessibility concrete, measurable and applicable
  • Focuses on real readers, not theoretical models
  • Connects seamlessly to the EPAS standard

This creates a reliable, professional and complete picture of accessibility for any publication from magazines to program booklets to annual reports.