The decisions designers make regarding colors, spacing, fonts, etc., directly impact the accessibility and inclusivity of the websites they design.
Accessibility is crucial for website designers. This checklist offers practical guidelines for creating an inclusive digital experience.
- First and foremost, keep accessibility standards in mind when designing the website.
- Use Color Wisely
- Ensuring sufficient contrast between text and background colors. This applies to page background color and text color, link color, and button color. Also, button color and text on the button must adhere to WCAG 1.4.3: Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA), which is 4.5:1.
- Do not use color only to convey information. For example, use shapes, patterns, and text to convey meaning alongside proper color. For more in-depth guidance, see the blog Beyond the Chart: A Guide to Accessible Data Visualization.
- Build a Well-defined Page Structure and Layout
- Content with a logical layout dictates how easily users navigate and engage with your content.
- Use headings to provide a clear structure and hierarchy to the content and lists to present items concisely. This will make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the page, make your content easier to read and understand and increase the cognitive load for all readers.
- Readability Counts
- Use simple language while avoiding jargon and technical terms.
- Get to the point without unnecessary details.
- Opt for familiar language over complex phrases.
- For more on how readability affects accessibility, see the blog post "What does readability have to do with accessibility?"
- Font Choice
- Accessible fonts improve readability for people with visual impairments, such as dyslexia or low vision, and reduce eye strain, making reading and understanding written content easier.
- Accessible fonts improve readability for people with visual impairments, such as dyslexia or low vision, and reduce eye strain, making reading and understanding written content easier.
- Use Descriptive Labels and Discernible Text
- All links should have discernible text that website users can see, perceive, and understand while conveying the link's purpose—its destination, function, or action.
- Provide clear and descriptive labels for all form controls, including text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, and drop-down menus. Consider making buttons larger and giving them clear, direct, easy-to-understand labels.
- Provide Image ALT Text
- Providing descriptive alt text for images to convey meaning to users who cannot see them, such as those using screen readers. NOTE: According to Deque, ALT text should be written by the person who created the image or, if that's not feasible, by the individual who first incorporates it into a prototype, wireframe, or mockup. ALT text should be written before handing the design off to a developer.
By incorporating accessibility into your design process, you can ensure that websites are inclusive, usable, and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
