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UMDDesign System

People

Bio

The Bio Card presents introductory information about an individual. It contains contact information and brief biographical information that may be linked to a full bio. 

Thumbnail for bio card - shows an image of a woman on the left, blocks denoting name, title, contact information and multiple lines for bio text

Variations

This version represents the most frequently used option and has the capacity to accommodate lengthy text within the description. 

Accessibility

Keyboard Accessible

Users are able to use the keyboard to navigate through focusable content using the ‘Tab’ key to navigate/focus and ‘Enter’ or ‘Spacebar’ to activate. WCAG 2.1.1: Keyboard This navigation is done in sequential and logical order. WCAG 2.4.3: Focus Order

Hover and Focus State

Actionable items each have distinctive styling on hover/focus to provide a visual cue to the user that the element is focused and there is an action that can be taken. WCAG 1.4.13: Content on hover or focus

Color Contrast

A contrast ratio of at least 4:5:1 between text and background color is ensured to enhance readability WCAG 1.4.3: Contrast (minimum)

Responsive

 The component scales in relation to the to the screen size to prevent truncating content and reflows properly when zoomed up to 200% without horizontal scrolling WCAG 1.4.10: Reflow

Consistent

Styles are applied to the card consistently including line height, font style, weight, spacing and color of text. The heights of cards are maintained consistently when cards are grouped together in a row. This provides balance and allows for greater readability. WCAG 1.4.12: Text Spacing 

Image

Provide effective alt text of the image that is concise and relevant. Avoid phrases like “image of” since screen readers often already announce the type of element. WCAG 1.1: Text Alternatives

  • Do not use an image to present text. True text should be used whenever possible, as it supports translation, is searchable, and is easier to maintain and customize.  WCAG 1.4.5: Images of Text

Title

Use a clear and concise title that describes the card content WCAG 2.4.6: Headings and Labels

Body Text

Write body text in clear and simple language. WCAG: 3.1.5: Reading Level Use descriptive link text for inline-links. WCAG 2.4.4: Link Purpose (In Context) 

Link

Use effective text to describe what the link is and where it is taking the user. This should be clear, descriptive text that conveys the link content succinctly and the purpose and destination of the link. WCAG 2.4.9: Link Purpose (Link Only)

  • Example of effective text (preferred): View full profile of Michael John Smith
  • Example of generic text (avoid): View more

Disclaimer: If the visible link text is not sufficiently descriptive, you can use an aria-label attribute to provide additional context for screen reader users. The aria-label should clearly describe the link's purpose and destination.

  • If the visible text is not necessary for screen readers (e.g., it's redundant or less descriptive), consider using aria-hidden="true" on the visible text element. This ensures that screen readers will prioritize the aria-label.

Example with aria-label and aria-hidden:

<a href="https://example.com/innovate-maryland" aria-label="Learn more about Innovate Maryland">  <span aria-hidden="true">Learn more</span> </a> 

This ensures that the link is accessible while maintaining concise visible text.

Content

Recommended character limits

Description

325 characters ideal (around 650 max)

Layout

The Bio people card offers the flexibility to include a photo, name, job title, department name, gender pronouns, phone number, email address, and an extensive description. 

Guidelines

  • If there is a Call To action then the Name should include a link to the same URL