Web accessibility and user experience (UX)
Creating accessible websites has a significant impact on user experience (UX).
Web accessibility refers to designing and developing websites that can easily be used by people with disabilities. It is not merely a moral obligation, but also a legal requirement in many countries. To name a few, international laws that require conformance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) include:
- European Union’s European Accessibility Act (EAA)
- United Kingdom’s Equality Act of 2010 for private sector, and The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 for public sector
- South Korea’s Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities
In this post, we will explore the impact of web accessibility on UX, and the effort made by HKSAR government in promoting web accessiblity.
Ease of navigation
An important aspect of web accessibility is the ease of navigation.
Designing websites which are easy to navigate means that the website should have a clear and consistent layout, with easily identifiable navigation buttons, links and calls to action.
Headings should also be used to structure content, and they should be descriptive and meaningful.
This will make it easier for users with or without disabilities to navigate and find the information they need, when they need it.
Content enrichment
Another important consideration is the use of alt text for images.
Alt text is a description of an image that is read by screen readers. It should also be concise and descriptive, conveying the purpose of the image. This will enable users with visual impairments to understand the content of the website easily and fully.
Perceivable design
Previously, we have explored some essential elements of creating accessible website design, and the list goes on. Colour contrast is another important factor when it comes to web accessibility.
Text should be easy to read, and there should be enough contrast between the text and the background. This is particularly important for users with visual impairments, and especially so for those who suffer from colour blindness.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text, and 3:1 for large text.
Web accessibility in Hong Kong
To encourage enterprises and organisations in Hong Kong to adopt accessibility design in websites and mobile applications, Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme was held on a yearly basis since 2013.
The scheme is now renamed as “Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme“, and the application is open now till October 31, 2024.
Final thought
Web accessibility is essential in ensuring a digital experience for all. Designing websites that are easy to navigate, using alt text for images, and ensuring colour contrast is adequate are just some of the ways designers and developers to contribute to building a caring and inclusive society. 🎉
Start your journey towards creating an inclusive digital experience today.