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Website Accessibility in 2023

Dafna Katz, Senior product designer, 200 Apps
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April 3, 2023

Nowadays, accessibility is a crucial consideration for website owners. In the past, website accessibility was often an afterthought, with website owners not considering the diverse range of users who would be accessing their site. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift in attitude towards website accessibility, and now it is considered a vital aspect of website design and development.

In the next years, website accessibility is expected to become even more important than it is now. With the increasing use of digital technology and the internet, more and more people are relying on websites for information, products, and services. As a result, it is essential that all websites are accessible to everyone.

Why website accessibility is so important?

One of the main reasons why website accessibility is so important is that it ensures that all users have equal access to the content on the site. This includes people with disabilities, who may have difficulty accessing certain types of content or using certain features of the website.

For example, people with visual impairments may need to use screen readers to access the content on the site, while people with motor impairments may need to use specialized keyboards or other input devices. By making your website accessible, you can ensure that all users can access and use your site without any barriers.

Another reason why website accessibility is so important is that it can improve the user experience for all users. This includes people without disabilities, as well as those with disabilities. By designing your website with accessibility in mind, you can ensure that the site is easy to use and navigate for all users. This can lead to increased engagement, better user satisfaction, and improved conversion rates.

In addition, website accessibility is required by law.  An inaccessible site puts its owner at risk of a lawsuit.  Especially when it comes to large websites that appeal to a wide public.

Elements of website accessibility

There are several key elements of website accessibility that website owners should focus on. These include:

  • Color contrast: Ensuring that there is sufficient contrast between the text and the background can make it easier for people with visual impairments to read the content on the site. There are plenty of tools of checking design's color contrast: for example: A11y - a plugin for Figma>>
Sufficient contrast between the text and the background can make it easier to read the content
Sufficient contrast between the text and the background can make it easier to read the content

  • Keyboard navigation: Providing keyboard shortcuts and making sure that all features of the site can be accessed using a keyboard can make it easier for people with motor impairments to use the site.
  • Alternative text for images: Providing alternative text for images can make it easier for people with visual impairments to understand the content of the site.
  • Video and audio captioning: Providing captions or transcripts for videos and audio can make it easier for people with hearing impairments to access the content of the site.
Providing captions or transcripts for videos can make it easier for people with hearing impairments to access the content
Providing captions or transcripts for videos can make it easier for people with hearing impairments to access the content

In conclusion, website accessibility will continue to be an important consideration for website owners in the next years. By ensuring that your website is accessible by the law, you can improve all user's experience, increase engagement, and ensure that everyone has equal access to the content on your site.

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