Accessibility design is not just a nice to have, it is actually a fundamental part of creating inclusive digital experiences. By ensuring products are usable by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities, we make the digital world more equitable and open for everyone.
It refers to the practice of making digital products, such as websites, apps, and other interfaces, usable for people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. This includes visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. The main goal is to remove barriers that might prevent users from accessing or interacting with a certain content.
Beyond being a legal requirement in many regions now (the Americans with Disabilities Act and European Accessibility Act), it’s a matter of social responsibility. Inclusive design not only benefits people with disabilities but also improves the overall user experience for everyone.
The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Standard Guidelines) are the global standard for web accessibility. It is a set of recommendation created by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium). There are 4 key principles:
1. Perceivable - information must be presented in the ways users can perceive (for example providing text alternatives for images).
2. Operable - Users must be able to navigate the interface (for example keyboard accessibility).
3. Understandable - Content must be easy to understand (for example, clear language and consistent navigation).
4. Robust - Content must be compatible with assistive technologies (for example, screen readers).
There are also 3 levels of WCAG
1. A - Minimum
2. AA - Which is recommended for most websites
2. AAA - Which is enhanced accessibility.
• Color Contrast - to use sufficient color contrast between text and background. There are tools that offer build-in contrast checkers to help ensure that your color palette meets the WCAG standards.
• Alt Text for images - providing some descriptive alt texts for all non-decorative images to help screen readers convey content to visually impaired users.
• Keyboard navigation - Design interactive elements to be fully navigable from the keyboard.
• Readable typography - Using legible fonts and maintaining the proper size and line spacing.
• ARIA labels (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) - attributes to provide additional information to assistive technologies.
• Form Labels and Instructions - Make sure all form fields have clear labels and instructions.
• Video Captions and Transcripts - Provide captions and transcripts for video content.
• WebAIM - Contrast Checker
• Coolors - Color contrast checker and palette generator (my favorite 😊)
• WAVE - Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
• Color Oracle - Simulate color blindness
• axe DevTools - Browser extension for accessibility testing
Designing with accessibility is not just about compliances, it is about creating better, more inclusive experiences for everyone. By following WCAG guidelines, testing with the right tools, and always considering the needs of diverse users, we can make websites a more welcoming places for everyone.
