Why Accessibility Matters
Accessibility design ensures that digital products can be used by people with diverse abilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. By following established guidelines, we create experiences that are usable, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone.
The 4 Pillars of Accessibility
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define four core principles that form the foundation of accessible design:
Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
- Text alternatives for non-text content
- Content readable even when visual cues fail
- Compatible with assistive technologies
Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable.
- Keyboard accessibility
- Enough time to read and use content
- Seizure-safe design patterns
Understandable
Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.
- Clear and consistent instructions
- Error messages with solutions
- Readable text and language defaults
Robust
Content must be robust enough to work reliably with current and future user tools.
- Future-proof coding practices
- Correct semantic markup
- Accessible to evolving technologies
Practical Tools for Validation
Use these tools and practices to ensure your designs meet accessibility standards:
Accessibility Auditors
- · Lighthouse (Chrome Dev Tools)
- · WAVE by WebAIM
- · Pa11y
Testing Methods
- · Keyboard-only navigation
- · Color contrast verifiers
- · Screen reader testing