The backbone of UX/UI design is clear: building outstanding digital experiences.
But is that all? What is an outstanding digital experience?
Can an experience be outstanding if not everyone is able to enjoy it?
Luckily, a key way to ensure everyone can enjoy a product is by promoting accessibility!
However, the combination extends beyond font sizes and color combinations.
Accessible designs must consider a wide range of disabilities users may have.
The goal is to make the product accessible regardless of physical, cognitive, speech or visual impairments!
This post will cover the basics of accessible UX/UI Design and how to create inclusive, universal experiences.
Read on to make digital interfaces and experiences more inclusive!
What is Accessibility in UX UI Design
Accessible UI UX Design builds digital solutions that can be used by the widest range of people possible.
This website and app design should foster usability regardless of disabilities or impairments.
Before integrating accessibility into design process, let's go over three main types of disabilities.
First, permanent disabilities are long-term conditions that are unlikely to disappear.
Think of color blindness, deafness, or users with impairments or cognitive impairments.
There are also temporary situations, such as when someone is recovering from an injury.
Examples include a broken arm compromising tactile interaction or eye surgery leading to blurry vision.
Lastly, situational disabilities are caused by a specific situation.
A common instance would be being at the beach with bright sunlight that makes it hard to read a screen.
9 Tips To Ensure Accessible UX UI Design
Accessibility is crucial for meeting the needs of a broader audience.
From a company standpoint, products should be welcoming to everyone.
The result? Outstanding experiences that also enhance user satisfaction and brand reputation.
Here are some tips and techniques to improve accessibility in UX-driven Development:
1. WCAG
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide comprehensive guidelines to guarantee accessible digital content.
These guidelines cover elements such as color contrast, keyboard navigation and text alternatives for non-text content.
Furthermore, the WCAG encapsulates a wide array of disabilities, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.
2. Typography
Typography is one of the most important elements in terms of accessibility!
Digital products should have fonts that are both easily readable and size-adaptable to users with visual impairments.
Guaranteeing the perfect contrast between the text and background color also maintains good readability for low-vision users.
3. Keyboard
Ensure your design is fully functional and navigable for users who rely solely on a keyboard.
Enable users to move through interactive elements in a logical order and activate them with the "Enter" key!
4. Labels
When designing forms and input fields, use descriptive labels that offer clear instructions to your target audience.
Avoid placeholders that disappear when users start typing, as they can be confusing for users of screen readers.
This edge is crucial for establishing context and promoting clarity across tasks and processes.
5. ALT Texts
Alternative text for images (ALT Text) is essential to understanding the content of image files.
Users with different visual impairments can use ALT Texts to receive clear descriptions of a product's images.
This helps them understand visual cues that otherwise may go unnoticed and impact interactions and goals.
ALT Texts also foster a good connection between images with several interpretations and their specific usage context.
What's more, ALT Texts are also crucial for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)—don't diminish their power!
6. Captions
Subtitles and transcriptions in video content are vital to ensure users with hearing disabilities understand the information!
Yet, subtitles can also benefit users in noisy environments or those who prefer to consume content without audio.
7. Consistency
Consistent and straightforward User Interfaces (UIs) also enhance accessibility.
Easy-to-use interfaces make it easier for users with different ability levels to predict and comprehend interactions.
Leverage UI tools and familiar patterns for navigation and controls to deliver seamless experiences.
Remember to work with CSS best tips and practices to ensure consistency.
You can also harness some dedicated tips for responsive design with CSS.
8. Testing
Don't forget to test and translate accessibility efforts into thriving products!
Conduct Usability Testing and User Acceptance Testing with real users who have different impairments.
After collecting their feedback, iterate on accessibility features according to their experiences.
Work with dedicated UX analytics and Product Development KPIs to focus on relevant metrics!
9. Education
Keep your designs accessible and your teams informed!
Promote accessibility awareness among teams, encourage ongoing education and foster a culture of inclusion.
Accessibility education will be key, whether for an e-commerce website or for the UX Design of an AI chatbot.
What To Consider in UX UI Design Accessibility
As we move toward a more tech-driven world, it's essential to stay up-to-date with accessibility trends.
Accessibility is not just about following rules: it also demands human-focused, ethical design practices!
Here are some trends shaping the future of digital inclusivity.
- ML and AI. Key applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to guarantee AI Accessibility include predictive text and voice recognition.
- VR and AR. With their ability to mimic real-world settings, Virtual and Augmented Reality are fostering immersive yet accessible experiences.
- Mobile Accessibility. As more users rely on mobile devices, teams must harness mobile app user research to consider visual, hearing and motor impairments.
- Inclusive Design. Today, inclusive design is a key edge, not an afterthought, as it fosters a digital world where everyone has equal access.
- Accessibility Standards. With the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the WCAG, accessibility also became a legal requirement.
Conclusion
By paying attention to accessibility across product stages, companies can build welcoming and inclusive digital experiences.
Furthermore, working with accessibility in mind enhances usability and engagement for a broader audience, regardless of impairments.
In today's dynamic world, accessibility can also empower User Experience Designers to break down barriers and deliver inclusive experiences.
If you want to build the products that tomorrow's users will love, reach out today!
