7 Core Accessibility Areas Every Designer Must Consider

Accessibility Should Be Built-In, Not an Afterthought

One of the key takeaways from WCAG for Designers: Accessibility Reference Manual is that accessibility isn’t something to fix later—it should be baked into the design process from the start.

The book highlights seven core accessibility areas that designers must address to create truly inclusive digital experiences:

1. Color Contrast

Ensuring sufficient color contrast between text and background improves readability for users with low vision or color blindness. Learn more about WCAG contrast guidelines (opens in a new tab).

2. Visual Cues

Designs should use more than just color to convey meaning. This includes icons, patterns, or underlines to help users who may not perceive color differences. Understanding Use of Color (opens in a new tab).

3. Links

Links must be clearly distinguishable, descriptive, and accessible across devices and assistive technologies. Instead of generic text like "click here," use meaningful labels that describe the link’s purpose. Understanding Link Purpose (In Context) (opens in a new tab).

4. Focus Indicators

Keyboard users rely on visible focus indicators (like outlines or highlights) to navigate without a mouse. Ensuring focus visibility helps users track their position on the page. Understanding Focus Visible (opens in a new tab).

5. Non-Visual UX

Screen reader users rely on semantic structure, ARIA landmarks, and properly labeled elements for navigation. Ensuring a robust non-visual experience is key to accessibility. Understanding Non-Text Content (opens in a new tab).

6. Alt Text

All images should include descriptive alt text, so visually impaired users understand their content and context. Decorative images should be marked appropriately to be ignored by screen readers. Guidance on Alternative Text (opens in a new tab).

7. Media Accessibility

Captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions ensure that videos and other multimedia content are accessible to all users, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Making Audio and Video Media Accessible (opens in a new tab).

Why Accessibility in Design Saves Time & Money

Considering these accessibility principles early in the design process helps prevent costly rework later. Proactively addressing accessibility results in better usability for all users while avoiding compliance issues.

Keep the Conversation Going

What accessibility challenges have you encountered in design? Share your thoughts on LinkedIn—we’d love to hear your insights and experiences!

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