January 3, 2025
Creating Your Next Project’s User Experience to Be Accessible
When it comes to creating a user experience that everybody can enjoy, we all know the important aspects. This includes applying alt text on images or nailing good color contrast. Those are non-negotiable, for sure!
But there’s a ton of lesser-known tricks that can take your site to the next level of inclusive awesomeness.
These low-key UX tweaks can make a massive difference for all kinds of users, especially folks with disabilities. So, let’s dive into some of these hidden treasures that go way beyond the usual checklist to build a site that’s straight-up inviting for everyone.
1. Super Smooth Keyboard Navigation
Picture this: some users can’t use a mouse, so they rely entirely on their keyboard to get around your site. Making sure your web app developers make apps that are fully keyboard-friendly is a game-changer. Here’s how to nail it:
Every clickable thing should be reachable using the Tab key. No one should get stuck!
When someone tabs to an element, make it obvious with a clear visual cue, like a bright border or a shadow. It’s like a spotlight saying, “You’re here!”
The focus should flow naturally. For example, if someone closes a modal, the cursor should jump back to whatever opened it.
This simple tweak makes your site a breeze to navigate for keyboard users or those using assistive tech. Trust me, they’ll thank you!
2. Alt Text That Actually Means Something
Alt text is a lifesaver for screen reader users. It describes images so folks who can’t see them still get the full picture. But not all alt text is created equal. Here’s how to make yours shine:
Skip boring descriptions like “Picture of a dog.” Instead, go for something like, “A fluffy golden retriever chasing a ball in a grassy park.” Context is everything!
If an image is just there for decoration, mark it with aria-hidden="true" so screen readers skip it. No need to waste anyone’s time.
Make sure the alt text fits with the surrounding content. This adds value without repeating what’s already there.
Great alt text helps everyone engage with your site’s visuals, no matter how they access it.
3. Animations That Don’t Make Heads Spin
Animations can make your site feel sleek and modern. Let’s say smooth fades or cool scrolling effects. But for users with vestibular disorders, too much motion (like rapid transitions or wild parallax scrolling) can cause dizziness or discomfort. Let’s keep web development services fun and friendly:
Use the @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) CSS query to tone down animations for users who’ve set their devices to limit motion.
Avoid over-the-top effects like auto-playing videos or heavy parallax scrolling that can overwhelm.
Let users turn off animations entirely with a settings toggle. Choice is power!
This way, you keep your site looking polished without making anyone feel queasy.
4. Text That’s Easy on the Eyes
Tiny or rigid text can be a nightmare for users with visual impairments. Web developers make typography flexible and readable:
Use units like them or rem for font sizes so they scale smoothly across devices.
Ensure your layout doesn’t break if someone zooms text up to 200%. Flexibility is key!
Set line spacing to at least 1.5 to make text easier to read, especially for long paragraphs.
These tweaks make your content clear and comfy for everyone, no matter what their screen or vision needs.
5. Error Messages That Actually Help
Filling out forms is annoying enough, but vague error messages like “Something’s wrong” can drive users up the wall. Let’s make errors accessible and helpful:
Say exactly what’s wrong, like, “The email field needs to follow the format user@example.com.”
Pair error messages with visual cues (like red text or an icon) and use ARIA to alert screen readers.
Highlight the problem field and give a clear fix, like, “Please add your phone number.”
This approach makes forms less frustrating for everyone, especially users with cognitive disabilities or those using assistive tech.
6. Headings That Make Sense
Good headings are like a roadmap. SEO service providers encourage them as they help everyone, especially screen reader users, navigate your site easily. Here’s how to structure them:
Use 'h1' for the main title, 'h2' for sections, and so on, without skipping levels.
Make headings clear, like “Our Pricing Plans” instead of just “Plans.”
A logical order makes your site predictable and easy to follow.
Well-organized headings turn your site into a breeze to explore for all users.
7. Dynamic Content That Doesn’t Confuse
Live updates, interactive charts, or other dynamic content can trip up screen readers if you’re not careful. Let’s make them accessible:
Use ARIA live regions (aria-live) to let screen readers know when something updates, like a new notification.
For charts or graphs, include a text summary that explains the key points.
Let users pause or hide dynamic content so they’re not overwhelmed.
This ensures everyone can keep up with your site’s action, no matter how they access it.
8. Colors That Pop (In a Good Way)
Low contrast can make text unreadable for users with visual impairments or color blindness. Let’s boost clarity:
Aim for a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text, per WCAG guidelines. Tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker can help you nail it.
Pair colors with icons or text to convey meaning, like adding “Error” next to a red alert.
Use contrast tools to double-check your design choices.
High-contrast visuals make your site welcoming for everyone, no squinting required.
9. Buttons and Links That Speak Clearly
Vague buttons or links like “Click here” are a nightmare for screen reader users, who might hear them out of context. Let’s make them crystal clear:
Use text like “Download the Guide” or “View Our Services” instead of “Learn more.”
Links should stand on their own, so “Read our blog” beats “Here.”
Keep related links together to avoid confusion.
Clear labeling helps everyone navigate your site with confidence.
10. Test With Real People
No tool can catch everything—real-world testing with users who rely on assistive tech is where the magic happens. Here’s how to do it:
Connect with accessibility advocacy groups or online communities to recruit users with diverse needs.
They’ll spot things like confusing navigation or overly chatty screen reader outputs that automated tools miss.
Use their feedback to tweak your design and ensure it works for everyone.
Real-world insights are pure gold for building a truly inclusive site.
Conclusion
Accessibility isn’t just about ticking off a checklist. It’s about making a space where everybody feels at home. By sprinkling in these under-the-radar UX tricks, you’re not just hitting the bare minimum. You UI/UX designers must craft designs that’s legit awesome for everyone to use.
Whether it’s smooth keyboard navigation or animations that don’t make anyone dizzy, these little tweaks pack a serious punch. And here’s the cool part: accessible design isn’t just for folks using screen readers. It’s a win for everyone, even someone scrolling on their phone during a shaky bus ride.
So, pick a couple of these tips, give them a spin, and keep tweaking as you go. Accessibility’s a journey, not a race, and every step you take makes the web a cool place.
