Imagine you built a lemonade stand, but only tall people can reach the cups. That wouldn’t be very fair. Websites can be like that too – if they’re not designed carefully, some people might not be able to use them. In 2024, making your website accessible to everyone is more important than ever. Best practices for web design accessibility mean making sure everyone can enjoy your website like everyone can enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade! Join us as we explore more!
Some of the Best Practices for Web Design Accessibility in 2024
To begin with, the good news? Making your website accessible doesn’t have to be super hard. Here are some easy tips to think about, like making things bigger and clearer:
Big Text, Easy to See
Imagine your grandma trying to read your website. Use letters that are big and also bold, with space in between. Fancy fonts can be pretty, but they might be hard to read for some people.
Clear Colors
Could you make sure the words on your website stand out from the background? Black words on a white background are always a safe bet! Also, think like sunshine on snow – easy to see the difference.
Pictures with Words
If you have pictures on your website, add a short description next to them. Therefore, this helps people who can’t see well, or who use special tools to read websites, understand what the picture is about.
Some people might not be able to hear sounds on your website. Here’s how to make sure they don’t miss anything:
Words for Videos
If you have videos on your website, add words that appear on the screen as the video plays. This is called “closed captions” and it also helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing follow along.
Writing for Audio
Websites can sometimes have recordings or interviews. Think about adding a written version of the audio content, like a transcript.
Maybe someone visiting your website uses a special tool to move their mouse around. Here’s how to make things easier for them:
Simple Website
Keep your website organized, like a tidy room. People should be able to find what they need quickly and easily, without getting lost.
Logical Order
Imagine using your website only with the arrow keys on your keyboard. Make sure things are in a clear order, so people can move around the website easily.
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
No Flashing Lights
Flashing lights and also moving pictures can be confusing for some people. Therefore, use them sparingly, or give people a way to turn them off.
Keyboard Friendly
Also, make sure everything on your website can be used with a keyboard, not just a mouse. Think like playing a game – you can use the arrow keys and buttons to get around, not just a joystick.
Phone Friendly
Lots of people use their phones to browse websites these days. Therefore, make sure your website looks good and works well on all devices, big or small.
Making your website accessible isn’t just about being nice, it also has some great benefits:
More People, More Fun!
A website that everyone can use can reach a wider audience, which is good for business! Furthermore, it’s like having a bigger lemonade stand – more people can enjoy your refreshing content!
Search Engines Love You
Search engines like Google favor websites that are accessible. Therefore, this means your website might show up higher in search results, which is like having a big, bright sign for your lemonade stand!
Less Trouble
Some countries have laws requiring websites to be accessible. By following these tips, you can avoid any problems down the road. Getting started with best practices for web design accessibility is easy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, by following these simple tips, you can create a website that’s welcoming and inclusive to everyone. Also, remember, a web for everyone is a tastier web for all, just like a lemonade stand that everyone can enjoy!