December 21, 2022

Key points of site accessibility, at the stage of creating UX UI design

Creating an accessible website is an important aspect of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. By ensuring that your site is accessible, you can make it easier for people with disabilities to use, as well as improving the overall user experience for all visitors.

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to site accessibility at the stage of creating UX UI design:

Color contrast

It's important to ensure that there is sufficient contrast between the text and background colors on your site. This makes it easier for users with vision impairments to read the content.

Ensuring sufficient color contrast between text and background colors is an important aspect of accessibility. It helps users with vision impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness, read and understand the content on your site.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating the color contrast of your site:

  • Luminosity contrast ratio: This refers to the difference in brightness between the text color and the background color. A minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 is recommended for small text (less than 18 point) and 3:1 for larger text.
  • Hue: Different hues (colors) can also affect the readability of text. For example, red text on a green background may be difficult for some users with color blindness to read.
  • Saturation: The intensity of the colors can also impact the contrast between text and background. For example, a pale blue text on a light grey background may not have sufficient contrast.

There are tools available that can help you evaluate the color contrast of your site. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide guidelines and tools for evaluating color contrast and ensuring that your site is accessible to users with vision impairments.

By considering these factors and using tools to evaluate the color contrast of your site, you can ensure that your site is accessible to users with vision impairments and improve the overall user experience for all visitors.

Headings

Proper use of headings can help users with cognitive or learning disabilities better understand the structure and hierarchy of the content on your site. Use headings (H1, H2, etc.) to break up the content into clear sections and sub-sections.

Alt text for images

Alt text is a description of an image that is displayed when the image itself cannot be displayed. It's important to provide alt text for all images on your site, as this helps users with visual impairments understand the content of the images.

Keyboard navigation

Many users with disabilities rely on a keyboard to navigate the web. Make sure your site is fully navigable using only a keyboard, and test it to ensure that all functionality is accessible.

Labels and form fields

Make sure all form fields and buttons have clear and descriptive labels. This will help users with cognitive or learning disabilities understand the purpose of each element on the page.

Accessible design

Consider designing your site to be responsive, meaning it will adjust to the size of the user's screen and device. This will make it easier for users with vision impairments to use your site, as they can increase the font size and zoom in on the content.

By keeping these key points in mind when creating your site's UX UI design, you can ensure that it is accessible to users with disabilities. This not only improves the user experience for these individuals, but also helps your site appeal to a wider audience.