216digital.
Web Accessibility

Phase 1
Web Remediation for Lawsuit Settlement & Prevention


Phase 2
Real-World Accessibility


a11y.Radar
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance


Consultation & Training

Is Your Website Vulnerable to Frivolous Lawsuits?
Get a Free Web Accessibility Audit to Learn Where You Stand
Find Out Today!

Web Design & Development

Marketing

PPC Management
Google & Social Media Ads


Professional SEO
Increase Organic Search Strength

Interested in Marketing?
Speak to an Expert about marketing opportunities for your brand to cultivate support and growth online.
Contact Us

About

Blog

Contact Us
  • Why Accessibility Is Key to UX Success

    Here’s a secret: websites that are easier to use for people with disabilities are easier to use for everyone. Applying simple HTML5 core concepts like semantic markup and landmark regions will naturally make your website easier to navigate with a keyboard and have a more logical structure. This is great for onsite SEO, user experience (UX) – and web accessibility, with no additional effort required.

    How Web Accessibility Enhances UX

    At its core, web accessibility is about removing barriers that might prevent people from using your site. When a website is accessible, it’s usable by everyone—regardless of their abilities, devices, or environments.

    Here’s how accessibility directly impacts UX:

    Improved Usability for All

    Accessible design benefits people with disabilities and creates a better experience for everyone. Features like straightforward navigation, readable fonts, and intuitive layouts make your site easier to use, regardless of age, device, or tech-savviness.

    Inclusive Design for Diverse Audiences

    Accessibility ensures your site is usable for people with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor disabilities. For example:

    • Screen reader support helps blind or low-vision users navigate content.
    • Keyboard-friendly navigation aids people with motor impairments.
    • Clear text and structure assist individuals with cognitive challenges.

    Enhanced Mobile Experience

    Basic accessibility principles—like scalable typography, responsive layouts, and touch-friendly designs—naturally improve mobile usability. Mobile users account for significant web traffic.

    The Benefits of Accessible Design

    Investing in web accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good business. Here are some key benefits:

    Reaching a Wider Audience

    Approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. By ensuring your site is accessible, you’re inviting millions of potential customers to engage with your content and services.

    Boosting SEO

    Accessible websites often perform better in search engine rankings. Practices like adding alt text for images, using descriptive headings, and providing transcripts for videos improve your SEO by making your content easier for search engines to index.

    Building a Positive Brand Image

    A commitment to accessibility shows your audience that you care about inclusivity. This fosters trust, strengthens your reputation, and makes your brand socially responsible.

    Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction

    Accessible websites help you comply with regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), reducing the risk of lawsuits or fines.

    Overcoming Challenges in Accessibility

    Despite its benefits, implementing accessibility can come with challenges:

    Misconceptions About Accessibility

    Some believe accessibility only benefits a small audience or that it’s too costly or complex to implement. In reality, accessibility improves UX for all users and can be cost-effective when integrated early.

    Technical Hurdles

    Developers might need help understanding WCAG guidelines or implementing complex ARIA roles. Clear documentation and ongoing education can address this.

    Resistance to Change

    Most teams have enough on their plates and do not want to add any additional steps to their existing workflows. However, building a general awareness of accessibility concepts will naturally improve your site’s inclusivity without any extra work.

    Strategies for Integrating Accessibility Into UX Design

    To create a truly inclusive experience, accessibility needs to be a priority from the start. Here’s how to integrate it into your design process:

    Start Early in the Design Process

    Accessibility is most uncomplicated to implement when it’s considered from the beginning. Start with semantic HTML, readable fonts, and a logical content structure.

    Focus on User Testing

    Test your site with real users, including those with disabilities. Tools like screen readers and keyboard navigation can simulate some experiences, but real feedback is invaluable.

    Use Accessibility Tools

    Incorporate tools like:

    • Lighthouse: Google’s tool for auditing accessibility, performance, and SEO.
    • WAVE: An accessibility evaluation tool that highlights issues directly on your site.

    Educate Your Team

    Train designers, developers, and content creators to understand accessibility principles and WCAG guidelines. Make accessibility a team-wide responsibility.

    Iterate and Improve

    Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done task. Regularly review your site for compliance, usability, and opportunities for improvement.

    Practical Tips for Accessible UX

    Here are some specific ways to improve accessibility while enhancing UX:

    Prioritize Clear Navigation

    Ensure menus are intuitive and consistent across devices. Use breadcrumbs, logical page hierarchy, and descriptive labels to guide users.

    Provide Text Alternatives

    Add alt text to images, video captions, and audio content transcripts. This makes your media accessible to screen readers and enhances SEO.

    Design for Keyboard Navigation

    Ensure all interactive elements—buttons, links, forms—are reachable and operable using just a keyboard.

    button:focus {  
      outline: 3px solid #005fcc;  
    }  

    Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast

    Low contrast can make text unreadable for users with low vision. Use tools like the Contrast Checker to verify WCAG-compliant contrast ratios.

    Use ARIA Sparingly

    Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles can enhance accessibility but shouldn’t replace semantic HTML. Use ARIA roles to clarify interactive components, like modals or accordions.

    Accessibility’s Role in a Better Web

    When accessibility and UX align, everyone wins. Your site becomes more straightforward to use, more engaging, and more inclusive. For users with disabilities, accessible design opens doors to equal participation in the digital world. For businesses, it means more satisfied customers, better performance metrics, and a stronger reputation.

    As the web continues to evolve, let’s commit to creating digital spaces that are open and enjoyable for all. Accessibility isn’t a barrier—it’s the foundation of great UX.

    If you would like to evaluate your site’s user experience for everyone, including users with disabilities, reach out to 216digital using the contact form below.

    Greg McNeil

    December 12, 2024
    How-to Guides, The Benefits of Web Accessibility
    Accessibility, Accessible Design, User Experience, UX, Web Accessible Design, Website Accessibility
216digital Scanning Tool

Audit Your Website for Free

Find Out if Your Website is WCAG & ADA Compliant













    216digital Logo

    Our team is full of expert professionals in Web Accessibility Remediation, eCommerce Design & Development, and Marketing – ready to help you reach your goals and thrive in a competitive marketplace. 

    216 Digital, Inc. BBB Business Review

    Get in Touch

    2208 E Enterprise Pkwy
    Twinsburg, OH 44087
    216.505.4400
    info@216digital.com

    Support

    Support Desk
    Acceptable Use Policy
    Accessibility Policy
    Privacy Policy

    Web Accessibility

    Settlement & Risk Mitigation
    WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA Compliance
    Monitoring Service by a11y.Radar

    Development & Marketing

    eCommerce Development
    PPC Marketing
    Professional SEO

    About

    About Us
    Contact

    Copyright 2024 216digital. All Rights Reserved.