Accessible Design Best Practices
Accessible design best practices are the practical steps to creating digital experiences that work for everyone. In this chapter, you’ll see how to make content clear, engaging, and easy to navigate, no matter a user’s ability. You’ll learn best practices for text, color, images, video, forms, interactive controls, and navigation, along with practical tips for designing content that improves usability for everyone.
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What are Accessible Design Best Practices?
Accessible design best practices are the guidelines and techniques used to ensure digital content is usable and understandable for people of all abilities. These practices focus on making websites, apps, downloadable documents, and other digital content perceivable, operable, and easy to navigate through clear text, sufficient color contrast, descriptive alt text, captions, accessible forms, and consistent layouts.
Accessible Design Best Practices vs. Accessible Design Strategies
An important point to note: accessible design best practices differ from accessible design strategies.
Accessible design strategies take a broader view. They focus on the overall approach or plan for integrating accessibility into the content creation process, from research and prototypes to testing and maintenance.
Accessible design best practices are the specific guidelines and techniques designers follow to make digital content accessible and usable, such as providing alt text or ensuring sufficient color contrast.
Key Takeaway
Strategies are what guide the process, while best practices shape the execution
Which of the following would be considered an accessible design strategy?
Remember, an accessible design strategy takes a broad view of accessibility to ensure it's part of the entire content creation process.
Non-Text Content
Non-text content, including images, videos, icons, and animations, makes up a huge percentage of the web (one source found there are 750 billion images on the internet(opens in a new tab)). But without accessible design, this content can create barriers for individuals with disabilities, particularly those who rely on assistive technology.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) created specific guidelines to improve accessibility for these content types. We’ll review these in more detail below:
Alt Text
WCAG 1.1.1(opens in a new tab)
Alt text is a written description of an image or other non-text content which allows people who can’t see images to understand their purpose and meaning. Best practices for writing alt text include:
Keep alt text short, clear, and descriptive. Focus on function and intent, not visual detail.
Avoid using phrases like “image of” or “photo of”.
Use alt="" for decorative images, icons, or graphics so screen readers skip them.
For more complex visuals (like tables, graphs, charts, or infographics), include a longer text description or link to a data table.
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Woman speaks on phone with a friend describing the image that requires alt text
Tip
Imagine you’re describing the image below to someone over the phone. What would you say?
Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions
WCAG 1.2.2(opens in a new tab), 1.2.1(opens in a new tab), and 1.2.5(opens in a new tab)
Multimedia content (e.g., videos and audio content) should be accessible to everyone, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. According to WCAG guidelines, multimedia content should include accurate captions or transcripts, enabling those with auditory disabilities (or those in noise-sensitive environments) to interact with it.
Best practices for these offerings include:
Adding captions to all videos, including non-speech elements such as music, laughter, or other background noises as well as calling out different speakers.
Providing transcripts for audio-only content, such as podcasts or voice clips.
Using audio descriptions to describe important visuals for those who can’t see them.
Ensuring your media player allows users to turn captions on or off easily.
Tip
Captions and transcripts aren’t just beneficial for usability and accessibility. They can also improve comprehension and SEO rankings.
Labels and Landmarks
WCAG 3.3.2(opens in a new tab)
Labels and landmarks help assistive technologies interpret the layout of your page and its interactive elements. The following best practices can help enhance the experience for assistive technology users:
Use HTML elements (e.g., <label>) for all form inputs and controls.
Add landmarks (e.g., <nav>, <header>, <main>, <footer>) to define page structure.
Use ARIA labels(opens in a new tab) when native HTML isn’t enough (e.g., custom components).
Tip
Using consistent labeling helps both screen reader users and search engines understand your content.
For a deeper dive into how to implement semantic HTML and ARIA effectively, check out Chapter 1 of our Accessible Coding Course. You’ll learn how these components work together to make content fully navigable and understandable for all users.
Text in Images
WCAG 1.4.5(opens in a new tab)
As mentioned above, text in images cannot be read by assistive technologies without a description. When you do use text in images, be sure to:
Use real, scalable text instead of embedding text in images.
Provide the same information contained in the image in the nearby alt text.
Pair icons with clear labels or tooltips so meaning isn’t lost.
Tip
Think “text should be text.” If it’s important to read, it shouldn’t live inside an image only.
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Looped animation being paused and played with accessible controls
Animations, Motion, and Sound
WCAG 2.2.2(opens in a new tab)
Movement or sound can elevate a design and add to the user experience. However, aesthetics should never interfere with usability. If a user (regardless of their abilities) isn’t able to interact with a specific web element due to animations or motion, the aesthetic appeal is gone.
When using animations, follow these best practices:
Provide a way to pause, stop, or hide any auto-playing or looping content.
Avoid flashing content(opens in a new tab) (no more than three flashes in one second) or rapidly moving elements that could cause discomfort, distraction, or seizures.
Respect users’ “reduce motion” settings to limit animation.
Let users mute or control audio, especially if it plays automatically.
Tip
Animation should be about supporting understanding, not stealing attention.
Which of the following is a best practice for alt text?
Think about how users who are blind or rely on assistive technology. What would be most helpful for them to understand images?
True or false: Captions are only necessary for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Think about someone who's in a noise-sensitive environment. Could captions help them interact with the content?
Which best practice is recommended for making text in images accessible?
Remember, screen readers cannot interpret text in images, so which of the following would help screen readers interact with content?
Frequently Asked Questions
Section Resources
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Text and Language
Text is the backbone of the web. The way it’s written, formatted, and presented has a huge impact on overall accessibility. Following best practices around text and language ensures that content is readable, understandable, and usable for everyone, particularly for those with cognitive, visual, and learning disabilities, as well as non-native speakers.
Plain Language
WCAG 3.1(opens in a new tab) and 3.1.2(opens in a new tab)
Not all users read on the same reading level. Because of this, the W3C recommends using plain language, which includes words, phrases, and sentence structures that are easy to read and understand. Content written in plain language is clear, concise, and free of unnecessary jargon or complex terminology.
Put simply, it allows readers to grasp your message quickly, reducing the cognitive load and misunderstandings.
Best practices include:
Avoiding jargon, acronyms, or technical terms unless necessary.
Providing definitions of terms if/when used.
Use short sentences and direct wording to improve comprehension.
Structure content logically with headings, lists, and sections.
Tip
Use the KISS method (“Keep It Simple, Stupid). This helps break your content into more understandable chunks and emphasizes clarity.
Link Destination
WCAG 2.4.4(opens in a new tab)
Link destination is all about ensuring users know exactly where a link will take them or what action it will perform. Clear, descriptive link text improves usability, navigation, and minimizes confusion among users.
For example, vague or boring text like “click here” can confuse screen reader users or anyone who’s quickly skimming content. It’s also not clear what action will be performed once it’s clicked on.
To avoid confusion, ensure your link text is specific and meaningful, even out of context. Additionally, ensure links are distinguishable from surrounding text through color, underline, or both.
Tip
Screen reader users often navigate by links. Descriptive text makes navigation faster and easier.
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Example of text scaling with AudioEye Help desk personalization text scaler
Scalable, True Text
WCAG 1.4.4(opens in a new tab)
True text is any text that can be selected, resized, and read by assistive technologies like screen readers. A simple way to check is to try clicking and dragging to highlight it. If you can, it’s true text; if you can’t, it isn’t, and a screen reader won’t be able to interpret it.
When text is embedded inside images or graphics, it can’t be resized or recognized by assistive technologies, which creates barriers for users. Using scalable, real text ensures your content stays readable across devices, zoom levels, and accessibility tools.
Best practices for scalable text include:
Avoid embedding text in images; use real, scalable text instead.
Ensure text can be resized up to 200% without losing content or functionality.
Test responsiveness across different screen sizes and zoom levels.
Tip
True text is easier for screen readers to interpret and improves readability for low-vision users.
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Examples of accessible fonts for Dyslexia: Century gothic, Dyslexie, OpenDyslexic, Calibri, Tahoma, Comic Sans, Arial, Verdana, Open Sans, Helvetica
Accessible Typography
Accessible typography focuses on the visual presentation of text to enhance readability and comprehension for all users. This includes font choice, size, line spacing, contrast, and hierarchy. Well-designed typography/fonts can reduce eye strain and make it easier for all users to read and understand your content.
When choosing fonts, ensure:
High-contrast text against backgrounds (WCAG recommends a minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text).
Choose legible fonts (sans-serif fonts typically are more accessible) and avoid decorative fonts for body text.
Similar characters are easily distinguishable (e.g., S and 5 or B and 8).
Maintain adequate line spacing, paragraph spacing, and line length.
Emphasize headings with consistent size and hierarchy.
Tip
Use the IL1 test(opens in a new tab) to evaluate how easily each character in a font can be distinguished from others. This helps you identify fonts where similar characters (like I, l, and 1 or O and 0) are clear and readable, making your typography more accessible for users.
Localization and Translation
WCAG 3.1.2(opens in a new tab)
Localization and translation ensure text is accurate, culturally appropriate, and understandable for non-native speakers. Remember, accessibility applies globally, meaning translated content must also adhere to accessibility best practices, such as using plain language, readable typography, and clear navigation, to remain accessible.
Best practices for localization include:
Translate text accurately while preserving meaning.
Consider reading direction, units of measure, and culturally relevant examples.
Ensure that translated content also follows best practices for plain language and typography.
Tip
Accessibility is global; design your text for all users, regardless of language or culture.
Which of the following is the main goal of using plain language?
Think about users' varying backgrounds and reading levels.
Why is it important to keep text concise and straightforward?
Remember the goal of accessible text.
Which of the following is an example of accessible link text?
Think about which one gives you an idea of what happens when you click on the link.
Why should text be presented as true text rather than embedded in images?
Think about assistive technology users.
A website uses small gray text on a white background, includes “click here” links, and has long, complex paragraphs. Which accessible design best practices are not being followed?
Think about the information covered above. Go back and review if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section Resources
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Color
Color plays a huge role in visual communication. It can draw attention and give feeling to your brand, but only if it’s used thoughtfully. Inaccessible colors can create barriers for people with low vision, color blindness, or cognitive disabilities. Accessible color design ensures that information remains clear and perceivable, regardless of how someone perceives color.
Below, we’ll review best practices for accessible colors.
Color Contrast
WCAG 1.4.3(opens in a new tab)
What is color contrast?
Color contrast refers to the difference in brightness and color between text (or visual elements) and their background. Contrast levels influence how well users can read and navigate digital content.
For users with visual impairments, including low vision, cataracts, or color blindness, color contrast significantly influences their experience. The lower the contrast, the more difficult it can be for users to navigate content. According to WCAG guidelines, content should have a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 7:1 for larger text.
A common example of poor color contrast is light gray text on a white background. For instance:
Text color: #BEBEBE (light gray)
Background color: #FFFFFF (white)
Contrast ratio: 1.8:1, well below the WCAG minimum of 4.5:1.
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Example of poor color contrast, with light gray text over a white background
At this ratio, users with visual impairments or those viewing on bright screens may struggle to read the text.
To ensure you’re meeting minimum color contrast requirements, follow these best practices:
Use a color contrast checker to ensure your combinations meet WCAG guidelines.
Avoid light gray text on a white background or similar low-contrast combinations.
Test contrast in both light and dark modes if your design supports them.
Tip
Use a high-contrast color palette not only for text but for icons, charts, and interactive elements. This will help improve usability for all users.
Avoid Relying on Color Alone
WCAG 1.4.1(opens in a new tab)
Some users can’t tell the difference between colors. When color is the only way information is communicated (e.g., “green = success, red = error”), it can exclude users with color blindness or low contrast perception. This can make it difficult, if not impossible, for users to understand important information, like form errors or critical status updates.
Rather than relying on color alone, follow these best practices:
Combine color with text labels, icons, shapes, or patterns.
Ensure form validation uses both color and text cues.
Use multiple visual indicators for charts, graphs, and alerts.
Tip
Always test your designs in grayscale to see if users can still understand content without color.
Color in Form Controls
Form controls, such as buttons, checkboxes, and radio buttons, rely on visual cues for state changes (e.g., hover, focus, selected, etc.). If color is the only indicator that something is changing, however, some users, including those with low vision or color blindness, may miss critical information, like errors or selected options.
When using colors in forms, be sure to:
Show visible borders, icons, or labels along with color changes.
Use descriptive error messages in addition to red highlighting.
Verify that keyboard focus indicators are visible and clear.
Tip
Pair color changes with motion or shape changes to give multiple feedback channels.
Colorblind-Friendly Palettes
Color combinations that appear distinct to some users may seem identical to those with color deficiencies. Colorblind-friendly palettes are designed so that content is distinguishable for users with common types of color blindness (red-green, blue-yellow, etc.).
When designing for color blindness, keep the following in mind to ensure charts, buttons, status indicators, and other visual components are visible.
Avoid problematic combinations: red/green, green/brown, blue/purple.
Test designs with colorblindness simulators.
Combine color with patterns, textures, or text labels for clarity.
Tip
For charts and data visualizations, always use both color and a pattern or label to communicate meaning.
Consistent Use of Color
Inconsistent color can confuse users and make it difficult to recognize interactive elements or repeated patterns (like call-to-action buttons). Using color consistently across pages creates predictable usage patterns, enabling users to navigate and interact with content more intuitively.
Best practices include:
Use the same color consistently for links, buttons, and alerts.
Limit the palette to avoid visual clutter.
Ensure contrast and meaning are preserved across different sections.
Tip
Create a style guide or design system that includes accessible color standards to maintain consistency.
What is the minimum color contrast ratio for normal text according to WCAG?
Go back and review the section on color contrast ratios for normal text.
True or False: It’s acceptable to rely solely on color alone to convey information.
Think about someone who is colorblind. How would they see important information through color alone?
Say you have a chart showing sales performance by region. The chart uses red, green, and blue bars to indicate performance levels. What should you do to make this chart accessible?
Keep colorblind users in mind. What is another visual element you could add so they can distinguish between bars?
What’s a good way to test the accessibility of your colors?
Think about tools and how they can help test color accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section Resources
Forms
Forms are a critical part of the web. They’re used for everything from registration and checkout to surveys and more. Poorly designed forms can be frustrating or even unusable for users with disabilities, particularly those who use screen readers, keyboard navigation, or assistive technologies. Accessible form design ensures everyone can complete tasks efficiently and easily.
Below, we’ll review how to design forms to be accessible.
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Formatting
WCAG 3.3.2(opens in a new tab)
Form formatting refers to the structure and layout of form fields, labels, and individual sections. Clear formatting makes it easier for users to understand what information is required and where to input it.
Best practices for formatting include:
Use top-aligned labels for fields; avoid placing labels inside input fields unless floating labels are implemented accessibly.
Group related fields with fieldsets and legends for clarity.
Maintain logical tab order (e.g., first name, last name, contact information, etc.) to support keyboard navigation.
Tip
Ensure forms are responsive, so users on mobile devices can complete them without zooming or horizontal scrolling.
Validation and Error Messages
WCAG 3.3.1(opens in a new tab)
Form validation ensures that users enter information correctly before submission, while error messages guide users when they enter incorrect information. Together, they help users complete forms accurately and efficiently, eliminating confusion and frustration.
To ensure error validation and messages are created accessibly, be sure to:
Provide real-time validation where possible, so users are aware of errors immediately.
Ensure error messages are programmatically associated with the relevant input fields using ARIA or native HTML.
Use clear, concise, and specific language. For example, instead of “Error,” say “Please enter a valid email address.”
Highlight errors visually and with text, not just color, so users with color blindness or low vision can easily see them.
Place error messages next to the relevant field to improve clarity and reduce cognitive load.
Tip
Combine validation and error messaging with preventive design: guide users to correct errors without losing previously entered information, and provide cues before mistakes occur when possible (e.g, input masks or suggested formats).
Error Prevention
WCAG 3.3.6(opens in a new tab)
Error prevention reduces the chance that users will make mistakes when filling out forms. According to WCAG guidelines, designers should help users review, correct, and confirm information before submission, particularly for critical data such as payments or personal details. This helps users submit information correctly the first time, reducing frustration.
To minimize errors, be sure to:
Input constraints and masks for dates, phone numbers, and credit cards.
Autocomplete and predictive text to reduce typing errors.
Review steps so users can check information before submitting.
Optional field clarity to reduce confusion.
Preserve the entered information if a mistake occurs.
Tip
Combine error prevention with accessible validation and error messaging. Guiding users before mistakes happen and then providing immediate, clear feedback improves the overall experience.
Which of the following is a best practice for form formatting?
Think about how users navigate a form. Labels, grouping, and tab order should make it easy for everyone to complete the form.
What’s the main goal of accessible form validation and error messaging?
Focus on what helps users complete the form correctly, not just making a form look good.
Which technique helps prevent user errors in forms?
Think about how forms can guide users before mistakes happen, like formatting inputs or suggesting correct values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Controls
Controls are the interactive elements on a website or app, such as buttons, links, toggles, sliders, and other components, that allow users to navigate, submit information, or take action. Accessible controls ensure all users, regardless of device or ability, can interact reliably and predictably.
In this section, we’ll review best practices for designing accessible controls.
Multiple Interaction Methods
WCAG 2.4.5(opens in a new tab)
Users interact with controls in different ways depending on their device or ability, including mouse, touch, keyboard, or assistive technology. Accessible design ensures controls can be used with multiple input methods.
Best practices for multiple interaction methods include:
Ensure buttons and links are fully functional with keyboard navigation.
Support touch, mouse, and stylus input across devices.
Avoid interactions that rely solely on gestures, such as swiping or dragging, unless alternatives are provided.
Tip
Test controls using a keyboard only to confirm that all interactive elements are reachable and operable.
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Example of button target size, meeting minimum 44px by 44px size, large text, and ample padding between links
Target Sizes and Touch Areas
WCAG 2.5.5(opens in a new tab)
Target size refers to the clickable or tappable area of interactive elements. Because small or crowded controls can be difficult for users with motor impairments or those using mobile devices, WCAG guidelines recommend a minimum touch target size of 44 x 44 pixels. Additional best practices for touch targets include:
Provide adequate spacing between controls to prevent accidental activation.
Make controls responsive, so they scale correctly on different screen sizes.
Tip
Consider thumb reach zones on mobile devices; place frequently used controls within easy reach.
Predictable Behavior and Consistent Affordances
Predictable controls behave consistently across digital content, including websites and mobile apps. Consistent affordances, on the other hand, help users recognize which elements are interactive. More simply, when a user sees a button or link, they should know what to expect when they click or tap it, both in terms of appearance and function.
When controls are inconsistent, it can be confusing for users, especially those with cognitive disabilities, motor impairments, or who use assistive technology. For example, if a button sometimes submits a form and sometimes opens a menu, users may hesitate or make mistakes, which can disrupt the user experience.
Best practices for predictable behavior include:
Use uniform styling for buttons, links, and interactive elements across all digital content.
Maintain consistent behavior for similar controls (e.g., all primary buttons trigger the same action).
Clearly indicate interactive elements through visual cues, such as color, borders, and hover/focus states.
Tip
Avoid using the same style for non-interactive elements. Users rely on consistent affordances to understand what can be clicked or tapped.
Mobile and Cross-Device Accessibility
WCAG 2.4.5(opens in a new tab)
Controls should be accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, adapting to different input methods and screen sizes without losing usability. To achieve this, follow these best practices:
Test interactive elements on both touchscreens and desktops.
Ensure gestures have alternative methods, such as buttons, to replace swipe actions.
Maintain responsive design, so controls are usable and visually clear on all devices.
Tip
Use emulators or real devices to test cross-device usability and ensure controls remain operable for all users.
Why is predictable behavior important for controls?
Think about the benefits of consistency, especially for users with disabilities.
True or False: All interactive elements should be operable in multiple ways, including keyboard, mouse, and touch.
Remember, users interact with digital content in a variety of ways. Digital content should support all interaction methods.
What’s the recommended touch target size for buttons and links on mobile devices?
Go back and review WCAG's recommendation on pixel size.
A website uses the same visual style for clickable buttons and non-clickable headings. Why is this a problem?
Remember, if web elements look the same, it can be confusing and make navigation harder for users with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigation and Consistency
Good navigation and consistent design make a website feel predictable and easy to use. When navigation works the way users expect, everyone, including people with disabilities, can find what they need, get things done, and report issues without hitting roadblocks.
Below, we’ll explore best practices around navigation and consistency and how to implement them in the design process.
Consistent Layout and Design Patterns
WCAG 3.2.3(opens in a new tab)
Consistency means that key elements, including menus, buttons, forms, and headings, all appear and behave the same way across pages. Designing webpages to be predictable helps to reduce cognitive load and helps users quickly find what they need.
Here’s how to keep designs consistent:
Keep menus, headers, and footers consistent across pages.
Use uniform styling for buttons, links, and interactive elements.
Ensure key functionality, like search bars or issue reporting, is always in the same location.
Tip
Maintain a design system or style guide so all pages follow the same patterns.
Headings, Links, and Landmark Elements
WCAG 1.3.1(opens in a new tab)
Properly structured headings, descriptive links, and landmarks (like <nav>, <main>, and <footer>) allow users to scan content efficiently and navigate using assistive technologies.
To use these elements effectively, follow these best practices:
Use semantic headings (H1-H6) in a logical order. Additionally, there should only ever be one H1 in a content piece.
Make links descriptive, so users know what will happen when they click.
Use ARIA landmarks or HTML5 structural elements to define regions of the page for screen reader users.
Tip
Screen readers often navigate pages by headings or landmarks. Proper structure lets them navigate quickly to relevant content.
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Ecommerce shop with breadcrumbs near the top of the page, with clickable links, that reflects site structure accurately
Breadcrumbs
WCAG 2.4.8(opens in a new tab)
Breadcrumbs give users a sense of where they are in your site and how to move back through your site structure, which is especially helpful for large websites.
For example, an e-commerce site might display: Home > Clothing > Women’s > Jackets > Winter Coats. That simple trail shows users exactly where they are in the larger site and lets them jump back to broader categories without starting over.
When writing breadcrumbs, keep these best practices in mind:
Place breadcrumbs consistently near the top of the page.
Ensure each breadcrumb is a clickable link.
Keep the trail simple and meaningful, reflecting site structure accurately.
Tip
Breadcrumbs are especially helpful on large, complex sites with multiple categories or nested pages.
Responsive and Adaptive Design
Responsive design automatically adjusts a website’s layout and content to fit different screen sizes, whether a user is on a phone, tablet, or desktop. Adaptive design, on the other hand, uses predefined layouts that load based on the user’s device or screen resolution.
Both approaches aim to create a seamless, user-friendly experience across devices, but accessibility takes that a step further. Responsive and adaptive design ensures that no matter what device or assistive technology a person uses, from screen magnifiers to touch screens, content remains readable, navigable, and functional.
Best practices for responsive design include:
Use flexible grids, layouts, and scalable text to maintain readability across viewports.
Ensure that touch targets (like buttons and links) remain large enough for users with limited dexterity.
Avoid hiding essential content or navigation elements on smaller screens.
Tip
Think mobile first. Designing for a smaller screen first ensures your site scales up gracefully while keeping accessibility in mind from the start.
Why is consistency important in accessible design?
Remember, predictable design helps everyone know what to expect when navigating digital content.
Which of the following best describes breadcrumbs?
Think about how a user could find their way "out" of a large, complex website.
What’s the difference between responsive and adaptive design?
Remember, one responds "automatically" and the other "adapts".
Which best practice helps ensure a responsive site remains accessible?
Think about how touch screens and smaller devices affect usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section Resources
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