
When we want to get likes and comments on Behance and Dribbble, we forget that proper design is not only about visual impact; it's also about usability. Our main task is to make users' lives convenient by simplifying their experience with the product.
There are many aspects of accessibility that you should consider when building a website. Many of them are beyond the control of designers. For example, the development team is responsible for using the correct tags for headings and alternative texts for images.
According to the WHO, over 300 million people suffer from color blindness. If we develop our design in such a way that a person with complete color blindness (not seeing colors at all) can use it, other people with color blindness will also be able to use this product. Just check how the site looks in black and white, for example, using Colorblindly.
Some standards, such as WCAG, specify the minimum contrast for websites.
Contrast Grid and Web AIM can help you check color contrast, and you can also read about all the contrast requirements for each level on Web AIM
Color is essential, but it is not the only way to convey information.
Errors in red are not effective for people with color blindness. Instead, use text-based error messages to avoid difficulties in understanding for all users.
Fonts should convey information rather than just visually decorate text. Avoid using very graphic fonts as they can hinder the perception of content by people with visual impairments. Instead, use fonts that are clear and easy to read, with special attention to size and contrast.
Use the correct heading structure (e.g., h1, h2, h3) to clearly present content. This will help screen readers better understand how the information is structured and convey it to users faster.
Despite the widespread use of responsive design, some websites are still not optimized for mobile devices. It's crucial to actively work on responsiveness to ensure convenient access to content regardless of the device. For designers, this means creating screens in different resolutions, including desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Inclusive design is an essential component of any project. Ensuring accessibility and usability for all users is a crucial aspect of creating successful interfaces.
We've covered some simple but effective inclusive design practices. By implementing them, we can easily make our projects more accessible to all users.