Introduction
Introduction
Accessible design improves the user experience for all users by considering diverse needs, leading to more adaptable, intuitive, and usable solutions. In many regions, it is also a legal requirement, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and preventing discrimination.
What is accessibility?
Accessibility refers to the design of products, services, environments, and technologies in a way that ensures they can be used by everyone, regardless of physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. The goal of accessibility is to eliminate barriers, making experiences inclusive for all users, including those with vision, hearing, mobility, or learning impairments.
Accessibility best practises
Accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can fully participate in and benefit from products, services, and environments. Here are some best practises to ensure accessible design.
1. Adhere to Accessibility Guidelines
Use standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to meet compliance levels, ensuring your design meets core accessibility requirements.
2. Provide Alternative Text
Ensure images, icons, and media have descriptive alt text so users with visual impairments can understand visual content through screen readers.
3. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Design for keyboard accessibility, allowing users to navigate without a mouse. Make sure all interactive elements are easily accessible via keyboard shortcuts.
4. Maintain Adequate Colour Contrast
Use a high colour contrast ratio (4.5:1 or higher) between text and background to ensure readability for people with visual impairments or colour blindness.
5. Provide Text Alternatives
Offer captions for videos and transcripts for audio content so users with hearing impairments can access multimedia information.
6. Design for Screen Readers
Ensure that your site or app works well with screen readers by organising content logically, using semantic HTML, and adding ARIA labels where appropriate.
7. Use Descriptive Links and Buttons
Avoid generic text like "Click here." Instead, use meaningful link texts and labels on buttons that describe the action or destination.
8. Create Responsive Layouts
Design for multiple devices and screen sizes, ensuring that the layout adapts without losing functionality or readability.
9. Provide Scalable Text
Allow users to adjust text size without breaking the layout, improving readability for people with low vision.
10. Test with Real Users
Conduct usability tests with people with disabilities to gather feedback and insights, ensuring the design meets their needs in real-world contexts.