10 Common Accessibility Pitfalls in UX Design and How to Avoid Them

Accessibility in UX design is crucial. It means making sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can use and benefit from your website. Unfortunately, many designers overlook accessibility, leading to websites that are difficult or impossible for some users to navigate. In this article, we’ll explore ten common pitfalls in accessibility and how you can avoid them. By understanding these issues, you can create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all visitors.

1. Poor Color Contrast

Color contrast is essential for readability. When the text color is too similar to the background color, it can be challenging for users with visual impairments, such as color blindness or low vision, to read the content. For instance, light gray text on a white background is a common mistake. To avoid this, use tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker to ensure your text stands out against the background. The WCAG guidelines recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Understanding Color Contrast Ratios

Color contrast ratios are a numerical representation of the difference in luminance between two colors. The higher the ratio, the greater the contrast. For example, black text on a white background has a ratio of 21:1, which is excellent for readability. Tools like contrast ratio calculators can help you measure the contrast between your text and background colors, ensuring they meet accessibility standards.

Using Color Contrast Tools

There are several free tools available online to help you check color contrast. WebAIM's Color Contrast Checker and the Contrast Ratio tool are popular choices. These tools allow you to input your text and background colors to see if they meet the required contrast ratios. Some design software, like Adobe XD and Sketch, also have built-in color contrast checking features.

2. Missing Alt Text for Images

Alt text, or alternative text, is a short description of an image that screen readers use to describe the image to visually impaired users. When images lack alt text, users who rely on screen readers miss out on important information. For example, a product image without alt text leaves a visually impaired user guessing what the product looks like. Always include descriptive alt text for images, explaining their purpose and content. This practice not only aids accessibility but also improves SEO.

Writing Effective Alt Text

Effective alt text should be concise yet descriptive. It's not about writing a long paragraph but about conveying the essence of the image in a few words. For example, 'A red apple on a white plate' is better than 'apple'. Avoid starting with 'image of' as screen readers already announce it as an image. Instead, focus on the key details that will help users understand the context and purpose of the image.

When to Use Decorative Images

Not all images need alt text. Decorative images, which do not add meaningful content, can have empty alt text (alt=""). This tells screen readers to ignore the image, helping users focus on the important content. Examples of decorative images include background graphics or spacers. It's important to distinguish between informative and decorative images to provide an efficient and effective experience for screen reader users.

3. Inaccessible Forms

Forms are a common element on websites, used for everything from signing up for a newsletter to completing a purchase. However, forms can be a significant barrier for users with disabilities if not designed correctly. Issues like unlabeled fields, poor keyboard navigation, and unclear error messages can make forms unusable. Ensure all form fields have descriptive labels and can be navigated using a keyboard. Also, provide clear and specific error messages to guide users in correcting mistakes.

Labeling Form Fields

Each form field should have a clear and descriptive label. Labels help users understand what information is required. For example, instead of just 'Name', use 'Full Name'. Labels should be associated with their respective input fields using the 'for' attribute in HTML. This ensures that screen readers can correctly read out the label when the user focuses on the field.

Improving Keyboard Navigation

Many users rely on keyboards to navigate forms, especially those with mobility impairments. Ensure that all form elements, including input fields, checkboxes, and buttons, can be accessed and used via keyboard. The 'tabindex' attribute can help control the tab order, making sure users can navigate the form in a logical sequence. Avoid using 'tabindex' values greater than 0, as they can create confusing navigation.

Providing Clear Error Messages

Error messages should be clear, specific, and helpful. Instead of just saying 'Error', explain what went wrong and how to fix it. For example, 'Please enter a valid email address' is more helpful than 'Invalid input'. Additionally, ensure error messages are announced by screen readers. This can be done by using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes like 'aria-live' to dynamically update the content.

4. Non-Descriptive Link Text

Links are vital for navigation, but non-descriptive link text can confuse users, especially those using screen readers. Vague link texts like 'click here' or 'read more' do not provide enough information about the destination or purpose of the link. Instead, use descriptive link text that clearly indicates what the user can expect. For example, 'Read more about our services' is more informative than 'read more'. This practice improves navigation and helps users find the information they need quickly.

Crafting Descriptive Links

Descriptive link text should be specific and concise. It should give users an idea of what they will find when they follow the link. For example, 'Download the annual report' is better than 'download'. Avoid using generic phrases like 'click here' or 'more info'. Instead, integrate the link text naturally into your content. This approach not only aids accessibility but also enhances SEO by providing context to search engines.

Using ARIA Labels for Additional Context

In some cases, you might need to provide additional context for links. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels can be used to add more descriptive information without altering the visible link text. The 'aria-label' attribute can specify what a link does or where it leads, giving screen reader users more context. For example, a link with the text 'details' could have an ARIA label like 'details about the upcoming event'. This ensures all users understand the purpose of the link.

5. Ignoring Keyboard Accessibility

Keyboard accessibility is essential for users who cannot use a mouse due to mobility impairments or other reasons. When a website relies heavily on mouse interactions, it excludes these users. Ensure all interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and form fields, can be accessed and operated using a keyboard. Test your website by navigating it using only the keyboard. Common keyboard shortcuts include 'Tab' to move forward, 'Shift + Tab' to move backward, and 'Enter' to activate elements.

Testing Keyboard Navigation

To ensure your website is keyboard accessible, conduct thorough testing. Try navigating your site using only the keyboard. Pay attention to the focus order and ensure it follows a logical sequence. Make sure all interactive elements, such as links, buttons, and form fields, are reachable and operable via keyboard. Fix any issues where elements cannot be accessed or activated without a mouse.

Using Focus Indicators

Focus indicators highlight the element that is currently selected when navigating with the keyboard. They are crucial for users to understand where they are on the page. Ensure that focus indicators are visible and distinct. Customizing the focus style using CSS can improve its visibility. For example, you can use a thick border or a different background color to make the focused element stand out.

Accessibility in UX design is not just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a website that is usable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Remember, accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly test your website, gather feedback from users with disabilities, and stay updated with the latest accessibility guidelines and best practices. Making your website accessible benefits not only users with disabilities but also enhances the overall user experience for all visitors.