Good design is accessible

Creating an accessible website is an important consideration for all web developers, not just because it is a legal requirement, but also because it ensures that everyone can access and use the website, regardless of their abilities. Here are the top 5 things for web developers to look out for to make sure their website meets accessibility standards:

Navigation

Navigation should be clear, consistent, and intuitive. Use headings, lists, and landmarks to help users understand the structure of the content and make it easy to find what they need.

Text alternatives

Provide text alternatives for non-text content, such as images, videos, and audio, so that screen readers can read them aloud. Use alt tags and captions to describe the content and its function.

Color contrast

Ensure that there is enough contrast between text and background colors to make the content readable for users with low vision or color blindness. Avoid using color alone to convey information and ensure that there is an alternative way to understand it.

Keyboard accessibility

Make sure that users can interact with the website using only the keyboard. This includes providing focus indicators and ensuring that all interactive elements, such as buttons and links, can be activated using the keyboard.

Form validation

Provide clear and helpful error messages for forms, and make sure that users can fix errors without losing their data. Help the user to understand the requirement for each input field and type of data expected.

Creating an accessible website is essential for ensuring that everyone can access and use it, regardless of their abilities. By keeping these top 5 things in mind, web developers can ensure that their website meets accessibility standards and creates a positive experience for all users.