I tried to sum up a few design considerations, which you could rely on while developing or designing your web application. As frontend developers or designers we have the power to make a change and make the web a more inclusive place. By considering accessibility from the start, you can create a user-friendly experience and avoid a headache afterwards.
Design Considerations for Accessibility
1. Enable Pinch-to-Zoom
Disabling pinch-to-zoom using <meta name=”viewport” content=”user-scalable=no”> prevents users with low vision from magnifying content for better readability. Screen magnifiers are essential tools for visually impaired individuals, and removing zoom functionality limits their ability to access information effectively. But except for that, zooming can be used even while presenting your website to a big audience, so that people from behind could see what is happening on the screen.
2. Ensure Sufficient Contrast
All text must meet contrast guidelines against the background. Low vision users often struggle to differentiate elements if they have similar brightness levels. Tools like Color Contrast Analyser can help verify contrast compliance and ensure that text and UI components are clearly visible. A text should have at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio, while large text can have a 3:1 ratio.
3. Maintain a Visible :focus and :hover State
Interactive elements such as buttons and links should have a clearly visible :focus state and, ideally, a :hover state. Users who rely on a keyboard or mouse for navigation need a clear indication of their current selection. The default browser :focus state meets WCAG guidelines, but enhancing it with custom styles can improve accessibility. Again, some users don’t use a mouse and they might struggle, because they have no idea where they are located.
4. Differentiate Content from Controls
Users with low vision may struggle to distinguish between text and interactive elements if there is insufficient contrast or separation. Ensure buttons, links, and form controls have distinct styling from surrounding content to avoid confusion.
5. Provide Text Equivalents for Non-Text Content
Screen readers cannot interpret images or multimedia content directly. Providing alt attributes for images and text alternatives for non-text elements allows visually impaired users to understand the information being conveyed. It is connected to graphs and charts too. Showing some important information in a graphical way is not enough, there should be a text equivalent to it.
6. Do Not Rely Solely on Visual Attributes
Information should not be communicated exclusively through color, position, or styling. Screen readers may not announce color changes, and users with color blindness or other visual impairments may not perceive these distinctions. Use labels, icons, and text cues to convey information effectively. For example, I heard a story, that one gardener, found a great website with all seasons when and what to plant, but the information was presented only with colors. Because he was color blind, he could really use it and still had to go and look for everything separately.
7. Ensure Full Keyboard Accessibility
All functionality must be accessible using only the keyboard. Many visually impaired users navigate websites without a mouse, relying on the keyboard and screen readers. Ensure interactive elements receive keyboard focus and are operable using standard keyboard interactions. It can be very useful also for people with temporary injuries. For example, someone broke an arm and cannot use a mouse anymore. Or if you are a parent and you need to hold a baby, then you have probably already started to use screen readers too.
8. Use Proper Markup and Semantics
Semantic HTML elements such as headings, landmarks, lists, and tables help screen reader users navigate content efficiently. Meaningful structure improves the user experience and aids in understanding the page’s layout and purpose. I didn’t know for example how important it is and that these users can export the whole page structure and that is how they understand if they can use it or if they even need to be on that page.
9. Provide ARIA Labels and Roles for Custom Controls
Native HTML elements have built-in semantics, but custom components (e.g., modals, sliders, expandable sections) require ARIA attributes to convey their role, state, and properties to assistive technologies. For example, an expandable section should update aria-expanded=”false” to aria-expanded=”true” upon activation. WCAG has enough patterns with examples in JS, explaining what and how to build. https://www.w3.org/WAI/ARIA/apg/patterns/
10. Provide Immediate Feedback
Users must receive immediate feedback after actions, particularly those that change the state of an interface. Silence after activating a feature can be confusing. Ensure that actions such as form submissions, expandable menus, and slider changes provide audible feedback for screen reader users. Or for example, if a user searched for something and then applied a few filters that changed the search results. He has a right to know about it.
11. Include Audio Descriptions in Videos
Blind users rely on audio descriptions to understand visual elements in videos. If critical information is conveyed visually, an additional narration describing these details is necessary to ensure an inclusive experience. Also, don’t forget about captions and transcripts too. Again, even if you are a user that cannot use headphones or is on a bus or in a waiting room, then it would be impossible to watch a video without subtitles.
Debunking Common Accessibility Myths
Myth: Accessibility Benefits Only a Small Minority
I hope you understood already that this is not true. Accessibility improvements benefit a wide range of users, including those with temporary impairments (e.g., broken arm, eye strain), situational limitations (e.g., bright sunlight, noisy environments), and older adults experiencing age-related vision or motor difficulties.
Myth: Accessibility Is a Short-Term Project
Accessibility is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. Regular testing, updates, and user feedback help maintain accessibility as technologies and user needs evolve.
Myth: Accessibility Should Be the Last Step
Definitely not. It might be easier and cheaper to start the project from the beginning. Accessibility should be integrated from the start of development, not as a final add-on. Retrofitting accessibility later can be costly and inefficient. Implementing best practices early ensures a more inclusive and cost-effective design. During the development process many things can be discussed and changed.
Myth: Accessibility Is Ugly
Some accessibility features are rather invisible, like keyboard navigation, zooming possibility etc. Accessible design is not inherently unattractive. Many accessibility features, such as high contrast and clear typography, enhance readability and usability for all users. A well-designed accessible site can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Myth: Accessibility Is Hard and Expensive
While accessibility requires effort, it is not inherently difficult or costly. Many best practices align with good UX principles. Proper semantic HTML, color contrast adjustments, and keyboard-friendly interactions are relatively simple to implement and significantly improve usability. It might become easier, if you reuse components in your project. Then you can invest time once and after that just use all accessible widgets everywhere.
Web accessibility is not just a compliance requirement — it is a fundamental aspect of user-centered design. By following best practices and dispelling common myths, developers and designers can create more inclusive digital experiences that benefit everyone. Accessibility is not a burden but an opportunity to improve usability, engagement, and overall user satisfaction, and even increase sales.
Tschüss, Katrin 🙂