Accessibility in Modern UI Design: Beyond Color Contrast
Vadim Zlygastev
Editor
The web was designed to work for all people, whatever their hardware, software, language, location, or ability. When the web meets this goal, it is accessible to people with a diverse range of hearing, movement, sight, and cognitive ability.
Why Accessibility Matters
Accessibility (often abbreviated as a11y) is about ensuring that your digital product can be used by as many people as possible. It's not just about legal compliance or altruism; it's about good design and business sense.
Over 1 billion people globally experience some form of disability. Ignoring accessibility means ignoring a massive segment of your potential user base.
Key Pillars of Accessible Design
1. Semantic HTML
Use proper HTML tags (buttons for actions, links for navigation). Screen readers rely on this structure to navigate the page.
2. Keyboard Navigation
Ensure all interactive elements can be reached and activated using only a keyboard. Test your site without a mouse!
3. Visual Hierarchy
Use clear headings and spacing to organize content. This helps users with cognitive disabilities process information effectively.
4. ARIA Labels
When visual cues aren't enough, use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to provide context to assistive technologies.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Relying solely on color: Don't use color alone to convey meaning (e.g., red for error). Use icons or text labels as well.
- Inaccessible Forms: Ensure every input has a corresponding label. Placeholders are not replacements for labels.
- Auto-playing Media: Avoid video or audio that plays automatically, as it can be disorienting and difficult to stop for some users.
Tools for Testing
There are excellent tools available to help you audit your site's accessibility, such as Google Lighthouse, axe DevTools, and WAVE. Make accessibility checks a regular part of your development process.