Ecreative logo

PORTFOLIO

5 Best Practices for More Accessible Web Designs

Melissa Westfall, Digital Marketing Specialist

Share This Post:

A tablet displays the word Design and provides the definition

5 Best Practices for More Accessible Web Designs

It can be easy to assume that everyone uses the internet and navigates websites the same way that you do. But for people living with disabilities, that is not always the case. Depending on the design of your website, disabled users may have a more difficult time exploring your products, understanding your services, or placing orders.

Continue reading to learn 5 ways that Ecreative developers can help you make your website more inclusive and accessible to all users.
White desktop monitor with black text on the screen that says "Accessible Wed Design"

1. Support Keyboard Navigation

Using a mouse for navigation is common for many computer users, but individuals with limited mobility and motor function often rely on keyboard navigation for ease of use and comfort. This is why it is important to include keyboard navigation in your web development and ensure that the order of interactive elements is logical. All forms, links, and webpage elements should match the visual flow of the page – left to right, top to bottom – and interactive elements should be predictable and in order.

2. Use Colors Appropriately

Color does more than simply make your website look nice. It can be used to capture attention or highlight information. However, relying only on color to convey messaging excludes people with visual impairments. When communicating importance on your website, don’t use color as the only visual cue. Doing so can cause people with color blindness to miss information. Instead, try to include additional indicators like text, labels, or even patterns. It is also crucial to keep contrast ratios in mind on your user interface. Low contrast text or
images can be difficult to see.
Screenshot of red rectangular button with white font that says Contact Us.

3. Design Usable Focus Indicators

Focus indicators are visual markers that outline elements on a web page that a user has navigated to. These indicators give disabled visitors guidance, shows them what is “clickable”, and helps them identify what an element is.

Screenshot of a website header navigation with a black focus indicator surrounding the text About Us, indicating that the user is on a clickable element that directs them to the About Us page.
Focus indicator needs to be easily seen and look different from the elements around them. Create a state that is highly visible, with good contrast. Otherwise, it will be a confusing user experience for people that tab through a page.

4. Use Labels or Instructions on Forms and Inputs

Providing clear instructions on forms is something that most website already do. However, if forms and inputs are not properly labeled, they can become inaccessible. When possible, do not use placeholder text without labels or instructions.

Screenshot of a Contact Us form with three input fields labeled with the text "First Name", "Last Name", and "Company".
Relying solely on placeholder text strains a user’s short-term memory because the text disappears once they navigate to the field. If a user forgets the hint or instructions, they have no option but to delete what they have already wrote and click outside the form. Placeholder text can also be low contrast and difficult to see for people with limited vision.

Additionally, people who use screen readers to read aloud webpage content may have difficulty with placeholder text. Usually, the

5. Use Correct Markup and Heading Structure

Reach More Users with a More Accessible Webpage