Designers play a pivotal role in shaping the visual and functional aspects of a website, directly influencing its accessibility. This chapter focuses on key principles and practices that designers should follow to ensure that their designs are accessible.
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Do not rely solely on color
Colorblind users, for example, might miss essential cues. Combine color with symbols or patterns for clarity.
Ensure text is readable
Contrast is key! Low-contrast text might look stylish, but it’s also illegible for many users.
Provide clear visual focus indicators
Let users know where they are on the page with visible focus states for interactive elements.
Structure content for linear reading
Some users navigate linearly, so ensure the content flow makes sense when read in this order.
Create flexible layouts
Design should adapt to various screen sizes and zoom levels without breaking.
Design accessible forms
Labels should align with inputs and error messages should be clear and accessible.
Collaborate with developers on accessibility
Some issues are best solved together. Share insights and work as a team to ensure accessible design implementation.