Have you heard of the Apple TV+ show See? It portrays a dystopian future where society has lost its sense of sight. Now, imagine if this loss occurred during the development of the first iPhone. How would smartphones have evolved? What would mobile websites or apps look like without the luxury of vision? Would touchscreens even exist?
Pondering such a scenario challenges the conventional, vision-first approach to design. When you break away from the assumption that vision is primary, you begin to craft experiences that are accessible—and enjoyable—for people with a range of abilities. As designers, our goal is to create beautiful experiences for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Our digital world is filled with barriers. Now more than ever, it’s time to dismantle them and build websites that welcome all users. Here's how we strive to be leaders in inclusive web design, where every pixel fosters accessibility, and every interaction empowers users, regardless of their abilities.
Understanding Accessibility:
Accessibility is not just a box to tick—it’s a fundamental component of thoughtful design. It ensures equal access to information and services for all users, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. By recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of our audience, we can create truly inclusive digital experiences.
Accessibility Guidelines:
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the gold standard for accessible digital content. They serve as a detailed roadmap for designers, developers, and content creators, guiding them in building websites that can be navigated and enjoyed by all.
Designing for Different Abilities:
Human diversity spans a wide range of abilities, including visual, auditory, and motor impairments. By incorporating features like alternative text for images, keyboard navigation, and straightforward, concise content, we can make our websites more accessible to everyone.
Semantic HTML and ARIA Roles:
Proper markup is key in the world of accessibility. Semantic HTML and Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles create a foundation for assistive technologies, enabling them to navigate and interpret content accurately. This ensures that people using screen readers and other tools can fully engage with your website.
Colour Contrast and Typography:
Colour blindness, low vision, and other visual impairments can create challenges for users. Ensuring high contrast between text and backgrounds, along with selecting legible fonts, enhances readability and usability for all visitors.
Cultural Considerations:
The web is global, and accessibility needs span cultural contexts. As designers, we must be aware of these cultural differences and adapt our designs accordingly. True inclusivity means crafting experiences that are not only accessible but also culturally relevant and understandable by anyone, anywhere.
Let’s Redefine Inclusive Design:
Inclusive design is more than a trend—it's an essential practice. By prioritizing accessibility in our work, we empower all users and contribute to a richer, more inclusive digital landscape. Together, we can build a web that welcomes everyone with open arms, one accessible pixel at a time.
Main takeaways
- Expand Your Vision: While compliance is important, think beyond it. Treat accessibility as a vital part of your creative toolkit, not just a checkbox. Strive to create beautiful, universally enjoyable experiences for users with disabilities.
Shift to an Accessibility-First Mindset: Accessibility must be prioritized from the start, not tacked on at the end. By doing so, it becomes a natural part of your design process, ensuring that your product serves all users.
Design with Intention: Approach accessibility with the same care and thoughtfulness that you apply to color choices and typography. By making accessibility an integral part of your design process, you ensure that everyone can engage with and benefit from your work.
