Creating accessible websites isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about ensuring an inclusive experience for all users, regardless of ability.
This means designing and styling web pages to accommodate a range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
By applying accessible styling practices, you improve usability for everyone, enhancing your website’s reach and effectiveness.
Whether you’re a designer, developer, or content creator, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) ensures your site is usable, user-friendly, and welcoming to all.
Here are six easy-to-follow and essential styling best practices that every website designer and developer should consider:
Focus Indicators for Keyboard Navigation
Many users, particularly those with motor disabilities, rely on keyboard navigation. Focus indicators highlight which interactive element, such as a button or link, is currently selected when navigating via the keyboard. A strong, visible focus state (usually a border or outline) ensures that users can see where they are on the page. Avoid removing focus outlines, as they are essential for accessibility.
Consistent Navigation
Consistency across pages aids users with cognitive disabilities by reducing the cognitive load needed to navigate a website. Keeping headers, footers, and menus uniform allows users to familiarize themselves with the layout. A predictable design structure also assists those who use screen readers or keyboard navigation, allowing them to access content without confusion efficiently.
Use Sufficient Color Contrast
Color contrast is key for users with visual impairments, particularly those with low vision or color blindness. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for larger text (above 18pt or 14pt bold). Tools like contrast checkers can help ensure compliance. Additionally, using high contrast also benefits users in environments with glare or poor lighting conditions—providing a great user experience for every user in all situations
Avoid Reliance on Color Alone
Relying solely on color to convey meaning excludes people with color vision deficiencies. For example, if you use red text for an error message, you should also include an icon or text description to clarify the error. This practice benefits users with visual impairments and ensures the information is accessible to screen readers.
Legible Fonts & Line Spacing
Fonts should be easy to read, with a preference for sans-serif fonts that are clear in all sizes. Spacing between lines (line-height of 1.5x) improves readability, especially for users with dyslexia or other reading challenges. Avoid using decorative fonts for large bodies of text, as these can be difficult to read, and always ensure there is adequate spacing between paragraphs and sections.
Accessible Form Elements
Forms are a common interaction point for users, making it vital that they are accessible. Each form input should have a descriptive label linked to the input field, ensuring compatibility with screen readers. Providing error messages with helpful instructions, rather than just highlighting fields in red, ensures that users understand what went wrong and how to correct it. Additionally, ensure form elements are large enough for users with motor impairments to click or tap easily.
Accessible design is an essential part of modern web development. By following these best practices, you not only comply with accessibility standards but also create a better user experience for everyone. Making your website accessible fosters inclusiveness and ensures that it can be used by a wider audience, including those with disabilities.
