Advantages and tips for accessible web design

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Inclusion is becoming increasingly important in our society. Accessibility is also indispensable in the digital realm. Web accessibility is the art of designing websites so that everyone can use them. Here it is important that No obstacles in the user experience created or the viewer is presented with special hurdles, in the perception and processing, so that the website can be used without outside assistance.

 

From planning, conception and design to web development, attention should be paid to accessible web design. Accessible websites should be compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)compliant so that assistive devices such as screen readers, magnification systems, or special hardware can be used on any website. In this article, we provide an overview of the most important tips for accessible web design and explain what benefits you will achieve. 

Alternatives for graphics and multimedia 

People who have limited vision should, of course, still be able to use your website without hindrance. For this purpose Screen reader used. These programs can automatically read the web pages aloud or play them back via other output devices (e.g. in the form of Braille displays). For this tool to work optimally, it is important, Provide graphical content with suitable text alternativesthat explain the context of the image or graphic.

In the course of an accessible web design screen readers are used
Screen readers are used in the course of accessible web design. (Image: blog.hubspot.com)

For multimedia content, that is, content that consists of multiple media, such as animations, audio, or videos, the alternative content is more complex and it should be based on Audio description and subtitles can be used. In content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Joomla, alternative texts can be easily stored and the first step towards accessibility can be taken. It should generally be noted that even without graphics, the scope of information and the comprehensibility of the website remain the same. 

Contrast and color 

A website should be created beautiful and appealing. The aesthetics are determined by images, colors and fonts. For people who have reduced eyesight, it is important to pay attention to some Contrast between background and foreground to pay attention. Because in this way illegibility and confusion can be prevented. According to WCAG 2.0 1.4.6, which defines the success criteria of the website, the contrast ratio of foreground and background should be 7:1.

Accessible web design offers a higher user experience for many people
Accessible web design offers a higher user experience for many people. (Image: t3n.com)

The exact ratio you use for your website depends on your specific design. Particularly important places, such as texts, should ideally have no background color so that the information content is not diminished for people with disabilities. An exception to the contrast ratio is decorative content, logos, and brand names. 

Magnifiability for accessible web design

Some users are dependent on a strongly enlarged font. Here it is fundamental that the Page zoom function of the browser works properly. The screen resolution should remain the same and scrolling should still be instantaneous.  

Linearizability  

For a barrier-free and functioning web design, in addition to a structured page layout with headings, lists and paragraphs, attention should also be paid to the Sense of sequence be paid attention to in the programming. Linearizability is an important aspect of accessible web development: the ability of a web page to make sense in a linear and orderly sequence, even when visual graphics and tables are disabled for the screen reader.

A linearizable website makes it easier for people with cognitive impairments, visual impairments or motor impairments to Navigation and the use of the website. By structuring the website in this way, programmers can ensure that content is presented in a logical and linear order. A clear and consistent design that uses hierarchies and visual boundaries makes it easier for users to focus on the content and not be distracted by irrelevant visual elements. 

Linearizable web pages provide better navigation and use of web pages.
Linearizable web pages provide better navigation and use of web pages. (Image: barrier-free-internet-sites.com)

In addition, a simple operability be ensured, allowing screen readers, magnifiers, and other aids to easily jump through the web page. This is additionally helpful to Search engine optimization to operate. Because if there is a systematic and coherent structure, the "crawler" can also grasp the website better and place it higher. So make sure that navigation within the page is also possible with the keyboard (such as jumping between buttons using the Tab key). 

HTML code 

The HTML code, abbreviated from "Hyper Text Markup Language", is a standard programming language. It describes a set of tags that format the layout, content, including text and images. Each day has a specific purpose of use and are responsible for ensuring that a web page functions smoothly. An example of this is the formatting of paragraphs, headings or lists. There are also tags that delimit certain sections, such as for the header, footer, navigation and article content.

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These are the be-all and end-all for an accessible website, because this way a screen reader can more easily grasp the website, as well as its structure, and create a good mediation of the contents ensure. Therefore, for your accessible website, make sure that the semantics in HTML for sections, as well as headings and paragraphs, are correct. 

Device independence 

The main goal of a website is to provide a Accessible usability on any device to ensure. On mobile or desktop, all functions should be equally readable for the screen reader or other aids. Accordingly, it is also important that the website can be operated with the keyboard or mouse. So try out the accessibility on different end devices for an optimal result.  

Advantages:  

  • By making the website accessible, you will reach more potential customers and clients. Because 30 % of the population have a visual impairment, motor impairment, poor concentration or limited reading skills. 
  • When customers find their way around your website smoothly and easily, it enhances the user experience and people return to your website more often.  
  • They thus generate equally high customer satisfaction.  
  • With an accessible web design, you also rank better in organic search. Because the Google algorithm attaches importance to an accessible design and lets you rank better if it recognizes high-quality accessibility. 
  • If the website complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), it is perceptible, usable, understandable, and robust, and thus can better convey advertising messages. 

Conclusion 

An accessible web design allows you to make all your customers and clients happy, promote inclusion and give your business or service more reach. So it's always a good idea to check and further optimize the accessibility of your applications.   

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