A common misconception is that accessibility requires a focus on users that have some kind of disability. This isn’t the case. Accessible design helps everyone! We are all less able some of the time:

Designing for users with poor/low vision

• Use high colour contrast (test with a contrast checker) and readable font sizes
• Publish all information on webpages
• Use a combination of colour, shapes and text
• Follow a linear logical layout
• Put buttons and notifications in context
• Optimise HTML for screen readers
  • Describe images and provide transcripts for video
  • Follow a linear logical layout
  • Structure content using HTML
  • Build for keyboard-only use
  • Write descriptive links and headers

Designing for users with dyslexia

• Don’t justify text
• Don’t use double spacing after full stops
• Don’t use pure black text on a white background
• Don’t use long blocks of unbroken paragraphs
• Don’t use serif fonts
• Don’t use italics

Designing for users with physical disabilities

• Make hit areas large
• Give form fields space
• Design for keyboard or speech only use
• Design with mobile or touch screen in mind
• Provide shortcuts

Designing for users with neurodivergence

• Use simple colours
• Write in plain language
• Use simple sentences and bullets
• Make buttons descriptive
• Build simple and consistent layouts

By following these principals, we can ensure our creative and digital deliverables include everyone.