Web Design for Accessibility: Making Your Visuals Inclusive
Accessibility goes beyond legal requirements; it is a commitment to making your brand available to everyone, including people with disabilities. Accessibility in web design ensures that all users, regardless of ability, can interact with and benefit from your content. Inclusive visuals are a major part of this effort, improving both user experience and brand reputation.
What Is Accessible Design and Why Does It Matter?
Accessible design is the practice of creating websites, apps, and digital content that can be used by as many people as possible, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. This approach is not only the right thing to do, but it also expands your audience and improves SEO. When your site is accessible, you open the door to a broader customer base and demonstrate social responsibility.
Colour Contrast, Font Sizes, and Readability
For users with low vision or colour blindness, proper colour contrast is essential. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Use font sizes that are easy to read on all devices, and avoid overly decorative typefaces that reduce legibility. Clear hierarchy in headings and body text also improves readability for all users.
Alt Text, Captions, and ARIA Labels for Inclusive UX
Alternative text (alt text) allows screen readers to describe images to users with visual impairments. Captions make video content accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels provide additional context for interactive elements, ensuring they can be understood by assistive technologies. These features are small additions with a big impact on inclusivity.
Accessibility in Social Media Graphics and PDFs
Accessibility should extend beyond your website to all digital assets. For social media graphics, ensure high contrast and avoid text-heavy images without descriptions. When creating PDFs, make them “tagged” so screen readers can interpret the content. Provide descriptive file names and use headings, lists, and alt text for embedded visuals.
Tools to Audit and Improve Visual Accessibility
Several tools can help you identify and address accessibility gaps:
- WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool for on-page audits
- Contrast Checker from WebAIM to test colour contrast
- Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools for accessibility scoring
- AXE Accessibility Scanner for browser-based testing
- Adobe Acrobat’s Accessibility Checker for PDFs
Using these tools regularly helps ensure your digital presence remains compliant and user-friendly.
At HTC, our web design services go beyond aesthetics. We build with accessibility at the core. If you’re ready to make your website more accessible and impactful, our team can help you design with inclusivity in mind while aligning with your broader business goals. Download our 17-Piece Digital Marketing Toolkit to learn more.