---
title: Bio
date: 2023-12-17T12:34:00-08:00
author: Josh Magness
canonical_url: "https://designsystem.umd.edu/components/bio"
section: Components
---
# 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. 
Shows name, title, contact information, and additional short details
## Dos
- Name, title, and description required
- A portrait photo is recommended (not required)
## Don'ts
- Don’t use with a short description (around 325 characters is ideal)
## Variations

[View component playground: People Bio](https://playground.designsystem.umd.edu/?path=/story/components-people-and-experts-bio--light&singleStory=false)

## Accessibility

### Built in 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 

### Requirements for use

**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 AlternativesDo 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 SmithExample of generic text (avoid): View moreDisclaimer: 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. 

[View Figma design: People - Bio](https://www.figma.com/file/YqgNlOMETaJbcI67sv8HUp/Downloadable-Components-File?type=design&node-id=171%3A52177&mode=design&t=Qxa1kHugTmM46Uy8-1)

## Guidelines

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