Dallas, Texas
## Introduction
Accessibility and inclusive design ensure that digital experiences are usable by people of all abilities and backgrounds. Designing inclusively isn’t just a legal requirement—it broadens your audience, improves usability for everyone, and reflects a commitment to equity. This insight outlines key principles and practices for making your web interfaces accessible.
## Colour and contrast
People with visual impairments rely on sufficient contrast between text and background to read content. Use high-contrast colour palettes and test your designs with tools like WCAG contrast checkers. Avoid conveying information through colour alone; pair colour with labels or patterns so users with colour blindness can interpret your interface.
## Typography and readability
Readable text is essential. Choose legible typefaces, use adequate font sizes (16px or larger for body text) and generous line height. Maintain sufficient spacing around text blocks and limit line length to improve comprehension. Provide options to adjust text size in your application or support browser-level zoom.
## Navigation and interactions
Ensure all interactive elements—links, buttons, form fields—are accessible via keyboard navigation. Provide visible focus styles for elements that can receive keyboard focus. Use ARIA labels and semantic HTML to convey structure and meaning to assistive technologies. Validate forms with clear error messages and avoid requiring precise pointer input by providing generous tap targets.
## Content and media alternatives
Support different modalities. Add descriptive alt text to images, captions to videos and transcripts to audio content. Use plain language and meaningful headings to help screen-reader users navigate. When incorporating animations, offer reduced-motion alternatives and avoid rapid flashing that could cause discomfort.
## Testing and continuous improvement
Accessibility is an ongoing process. Test your designs with automated tools and with screen readers, but also involve users with disabilities in your research. Follow guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and keep up with evolving standards. Regularly review and update your designs as part of your development workflow.
## Conclusion
Inclusive design is good design. By prioritising accessibility from the start—through thoughtful colour choices, readable typography, keyboard-friendly interactions, alternative media, and continuous testing—you create web experiences that are welcoming and usable for everyone.
