Essential Tips for Accessible Web Design
TL;DR:
- Use high colour contrast and clear, readable text
- Don't rely only on visual cues for navigation and interaction
- Include descriptive alt text for all images
- Label forms clearly and ensure keyboard-only navigation works
- Accessibility improvements can boost your SEO
Creating an accessible website means everyone can use your site effectively, regardless of how they access your content. This includes people with disabilities who might interact with your site in different ways.
Key Elements of Accessibility
Colour and Text
High Colour Contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. Use colours that stand out against each other so content is easy to read. Dark text on light backgrounds (or vice versa) works best.
Readable Text Size and Fonts matter for everyone, including people with visual impairments. Choose fonts and sizes that are easy to read. Avoid decorative fonts for body text.
Interactive Elements
Don't design interactive elements like buttons that only change visually when someone hovers over them. Make sure interactions are clear through multiple ways – not just visual changes.
Images and Media
Alt Text for Images helps screen readers describe images to users who are visually impaired. Write concise, descriptive alternative text that explains what the image shows or its purpose on the page.
Forms and Navigation
Label Forms Properly by giving every form element a clear, descriptive label that tells users what each field is for. Don't rely on placeholder text alone.
Keyboard Navigation ensures users can navigate through your website using only a keyboard. This includes accessing all links, buttons, and forms without needing a mouse.
Pixelhaze Tip: Test your website with keyboard navigation regularly. Use the Tab key to move through your site and make sure you can reach every interactive element.
FAQs
How does accessible design benefit my website?
It enhances user experience for everyone and can improve SEO performance. Search engines favour accessible websites because they're better structured and easier to understand.
Can I use tools to check my website's accessibility?
Yes, tools like WAVE, Axe DevTools, and WebAIM can provide valuable insights and highlight areas that need improvement. These tools catch many common issues automatically.
What are common pitfalls in web accessibility?
Poor colour contrast, unclear form labels, missing alt text for images, and relying only on visual cues are the most frequent problems we see.
Jargon Buster
Accessible Design: Creating websites that can be used effectively by people of all abilities and disabilities.
Keyboard Navigation: The ability to use a website entirely with a keyboard, crucial for users with certain physical disabilities.
Alt Text: Short for 'alternative text' – a text description of an image that's read by screen readers but not visible on the page.
Colour Contrast: The visual distinction between text and its background, which affects how easy it is to read.
Wrap-up
Making your website accessible opens up your digital space to everyone. These changes don't just comply with accessibility standards – they make your site more usable and welcoming for all visitors. An accessible website also tends to perform better in search engines, broadening your site's reach and impact.
The best part? Most accessibility improvements make your site better for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
Ready to make your website more accessible? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guidance on implementing these changes.