The internet is a powerful tool, but it's also very complex and technical. When a website does not use accessibility tools, which can simplify things, it is harder for users to interact with it in an optimized fashion. The list below discusses mistakes that websites make when designing or using software or devices.
When there's no accessibility provided on your site, it is important for links to function properly. It is also important that links work in text format as well.
Insufficient color contrast
The importance of color contrast cannot be understated. For example, if your site uses light grey text on an inactive field it could make the interface less accessible for people with visual impairments.
A focus indicator helps users better find their way through content via the keyboard, this is also a WCAG accessibility requirement (more on that here).
The best way to ensure that your website is easy for users and not hard-to-navigate is to focus on indicators. These can be anything from high contrast colors throughout an interface or site's features (not just forms) as well as having the same color everywhere across different browsers/devices that the user may visit–and most importantly: a blue outline around important fields makes everything stand out.
The key to designing and creating focus indicators is by doing it early in the process, like with hover or active states. It's easier than trying later on when you want your software design to reflect a consistent look & feel - having tangible documentation can help ensure designers follow these guidelines instead of having individualized designs which can cause conflict since they don't match standardized instructions.
WCAG guidelines require that navigation is possible through a keyboard without requiring timings specific keystrokes. Websites need to be designed so that users can navigate easily with the use of a keyboard. That's why it's important to check your navigation menus and submenus. Form submission buttons, media players, sidebar content as well as embedded content when making sure they are accessible with supported devices like assistive technology or screen readers.
It's important to label every interactive element on your website in order for users and blind persons alike. For instance, if you have a button that takes them from one page of content to another it would be a good idea to associate the name "Next Page" or something similar with this action so they know what will happen when pushed without seeing anything else beforehand (in addition: make sure there aren't any other buttons with different text).
Web developers should always provide descriptions for images. This is incredibly important because it can help those using assistive technology understand the page's content without confusion, and also ensures a site/page isn't inaccessible to them!
In addition, these alt text descriptions give context about what each image means by way of explanation or relevance - which could make all the difference in an elderly person relying heavily upon screen readers when they're trying desperately just get through one webpage before being overwhelmed.
Your content will be seen by a wide range of users, from handheld consoles to 4k televisions. To make sure you're delivering an accessible experience for everyone who interacts with your software and its features: test on various devices - including assistive technologies such as screen readers or bypassing protection mechanisms such as password protections in order to provide greater accessibility than otherwise possible; consider developing formats that can adapt depending on what device they need to be implemented into (for example 4x3 television screens).
Accessible software ensures the interface is usable to a wide audience. Profitability can be impacted, as organizations increasingly require proof of product accessibility in their proposal processes and there are lawsuits against those who don't comply with applicable standards for digital experiences. Integrating an inaccessible element opens up your company to risk considerably more than if it were fully accessible.
Designing for accessibility is an ongoing process of ensuring your digital products are accessible and remain that way. Content changes, features get updated with time - all this means there's even more work to do. Design considerations should begin early in order not to inconvenience customers down the line when they update or add new things.
EqualWeb's ultimate goal is to offer a sustainable, comprehensive review of your product and support throughout every stage. We offer a comprehensive audit to identify and prioritize any failures in your system. We provide you with the tools necessary for fixing issues, as well as training on how to prevent new problems from arising during the development cycle.
When you are part of our managed plan, our team regularly patrols looking out for potential trouble before it can become an issue.