Top 10 Web Design Tips for Accessibility
By Dale West,
At Mad Scientist Web Design, we do more than create visually appealing websites. We focus on building websites that are usable by as many people as possible, including visitors with disabilities.
Accessible web design helps people with visual, hearing, motor, cognitive, and other disabilities navigate your website, understand your content, and take action. It also improves the overall user experience for everyone.
Here are ten practical web design tips to help designers and website owners build more accessible websites.
1. Use Headings Correctly to Organize Content
Headings help structure your content and make it easier to scan. They also help screen reader users understand how a page is organized.
Use one clear <h1> heading for the main topic of the page. Then use <h2> through <h6> headings in a logical order for sections and subsections. Avoid choosing headings only because of how they look. Headings should describe the structure of the content.
2. Include Helpful Alt Text for Images
Alt text describes images for people who cannot see them. It also helps when images fail to load.
Good alt text should be brief, useful, and based on the purpose of the image. For example, a photo of a completed kitchen remodel should describe the remodel if that image supports the page content. Decorative images can usually use empty alt text so screen readers skip them.
3. Give Links Unique and Descriptive Names
Avoid vague link text such as "click here," "read more," or "learn more" when the link can be more specific.
Descriptive link text helps users understand where a link will take them. Instead of "click here," use a phrase such as "Download Our Accessibility Checklist" or "View Our Web Design Services." This helps screen reader users, keyboard users, and visitors scanning the page.
4. Use Color with Care
Color can support your design, but it should not be the only way important information is communicated.
For example, do not rely only on red text to show an error message. Add clear text, icons, labels, or instructions so users who are colorblind or using assistive technology can still understand the message.
5. Design Accessible Forms
Forms should be easy to understand, complete, and submit. Every form field should have a clear label that is programmatically connected to the field.
Use helpful instructions, clear error messages, and a logical tab order. Make sure forms can be completed with a keyboard and that users understand what information is required.
6. Use Tables for Tabular Data Only
Tables should be used for structured data, such as pricing charts, schedules, comparison grids, or reports. They should not be used to control page layout.
Modern CSS can create flexible layouts without using tables. When tables are used for data, include proper headers so users and assistive technologies can understand the relationship between rows and columns.
7. Ensure Keyboard-Only Navigation
Some visitors cannot use a mouse. Your website should allow users to access links, menus, buttons, forms, and other interactive elements with a keyboard alone.
Use semantic HTML elements such as <header>, <nav>, <main>, and <footer>. Add a "Skip to Content" link so keyboard users can move past repeated navigation and reach the main content quickly. Also make sure the keyboard focus indicator is visible.
8. Use ARIA Carefully
ARIA, or Accessible Rich Internet Applications, can help make complex interactive features more accessible. However, ARIA should be used carefully.
The best approach is to use native HTML whenever possible. Native buttons, links, form fields, headings, and landmarks already include many accessibility features. Use ARIA only when standard HTML cannot provide the needed meaning or behavior.
9. Choose an Accessible Content Management System
Your content management system can affect accessibility. Some platforms, themes, page builders, and plugins are better than others at producing clean, accessible code.
Choose a CMS, theme, and plugins that support accessibility best practices. Also remember that a good platform does not guarantee an accessible website. Content, design choices, plugins, forms, images, and custom code still need to be reviewed.
10. Ensure Readable Text and Strong Contrast
Readable text is essential. Choose fonts, spacing, and layouts that are easy to read on both desktop and mobile devices.
WCAG does not require one specific font size, but text should be large enough to read comfortably and should remain usable when enlarged. Contrast between text and background should also meet accessibility guidelines. For normal text, the recommended WCAG contrast ratio is at least 4.5:1.
The Benefits of Accessible Design
Accessible design helps people with disabilities, but it also improves usability for everyone. Clear headings, readable text, descriptive links, accessible forms, keyboard navigation, and strong contrast all make a website easier to use.
Accessibility also supports better customer service, stronger user experience, improved content structure, and a more professional online presence.
Need help making your website more accessible? Mad Scientist Web Design can review your site, identify common accessibility issues, and help improve usability for all visitors.